“I am the true vine; my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. And he trims and cleans every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in me. (John 15:1-4 NCV)
How can a branch grow and produce fruit unless it remains attached to the vine? So also, a believer will not grow spiritually unless they continue in relationship with Jesus—even when He trims and purifies us through life's testing times. ©Word-Strong_2013