In John 15, Jesus distinguishes three level of Christians. The first, the one that does not bear fruit, is cut out, "taken away". Note that this applies to the vine that also stops bearing fruit. The second that bears some fruit is pruned that it may bear more fruit. It is continually pruned. Not once, not twice. The vinedresser will focuse his efforts and attention to the vine that is productive (like any human would) coninually removing dead or dying leaves and stems, in order to get maximum produce.
The initial qualifier is Jesus: Vs 3 states "As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." We MUST abide in Him. To abide is to LIVE in Him. Not a single experience; not a once-a-week encounter. A daily walk.
I love vs3 "You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you]." Gods word is the pruning shears. Dividing asunder the soul and spirit, and the bone and marrow. His word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against him. Psalms 19:11 By your word "is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); and in keeping them there is great reward."
Vs 5 Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. Remember the fruit is a result of daily union and communion with Jesus, not a result of grand action. The acts of service come AS A RESULT of the fruit. Jesus was moved with compassion, and therefore went ahead to heal and deliver.
Finally, the cornerstone is love. Vs 16 You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as [b]presenting all that I Am], He may give it to you.
17 This is what I command you: that you love one another.
Paul sets out the fruit of the Spirit as being, first and foremost, Love. Again, of Faith, Hope and Love, Love is the greatest. Without me you can do nothing. God is love. So outside of love, we become unproductive and unfruitful.
Father give me love.
Love for the lost, love for the dying.
Love for the downtrodden and marginalised.
Love for the sick and ailing.
Love for the ignored and despised.
