Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every [branch] that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 (NKJV)
The Greek word “airō” which here in this Scripture is rendered “takes away” first and foremost means – to raise up, elevate, lift up.
Therefore in keeping consistent with the true unchanging nature and working of God who never gives up on us or never cuts off anyone, the best correct translation of this Scripture is – “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He raises up, elevates, lifts up”.
This can also be attested to by farmers who grow vines like passion fruits, tomatoes, loofah (bath sponge), and grape vines. These vine plants are lifted off the ground to protect them from pests, diseases, being stepped on, and also to make sure they receive required circulation and sunlight. When we are not bearing fruit, God doesn’t cut us off, He doesn’t disconnect us from Himself but He raises, lifts, elevates us far away from and above the pests and diseases of unbelief, fear, worry, confusion, rebellion. He encourages us, He builds us up, He corrects us, He warns us.
When we are bearing fruit He prunes or cleanses us to bear much fruit. The Greek word kathairō translated to prune means to purge or cleanse of filth, impurity, etc. It also means to remove unnecessary shoots from vines. He prunes, cleanses or removes unnecessary shoots from our life with His Word.
John 15:3 (NKJV) You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. He purges away the unbelief, fear, worry, confusion, He removes the unnecessary shoots of pride, insecurity, greed, self pity, with His Word.
Yield to the Word of God so you may be lifted up to bear fruit of love, joy, peace, faith, kindness, goodness, meekness, patience, self control. Allow the Word to prune or purge you or remove unnecessary shoots so you may bear much more fruit of confidence, victory and rest.