LESSON INTRODUCTION
Today as we roundup on the theme, A new beginning, we are examining how to balance Letting Go of the past successes and failures, with Abiding in the unfolding events of the present moment, through Discernment and Alignment.
Discussion Outline
We are looking at the teaching of Jesus on the True Vine.
ReadJohn 15:1-8
A branch cannot live or produce fruit on its own; it must stay attached to the main vine to receive water and nutrients. In daily life, this means your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being depends on staying anchored to your core source of strength or faith rather than trying to isolate and do everything by yourself. What is the source of your core strength or faith?
Pruning (John 15:2)
Good is the Enemy of Best: You cannot say yes to everything. Pruning forces you to cut away good opportunities, hobbies, or projects so you have the explosive energy required to excel at your absolute best ones
- How would you describe Pruning?
- Why do you think Pruning is essential?
- How can you relate with the statement above?
Practical Ways to Apply Pruning (Letting Go)
- Audit Your Commitments
- Release Old Narratives
- Cut Toxic Outlets
- Trim Your Expectations
Abiding (John 15:4)
A branch does not struggle or strain to produce grapes; it simply rests in the vine, and the fruit grows naturally because the nutrients flow automatically.
What Abiding Looks Like in Daily Life
- Shift from Effort to Alignment
- Accept Total Divine Dependence
- Practice Active Rest
Conclusion
Balancing both aspects of Abiding and Pruning means realizing that staying Aligned gives you the strength to endure the pruning, while pruning removes the distractions that keep you from staying Aligned.
If we accept things without Critical thinking without question or without evidence we are not only ignorant we are immoral.
