The Larger Story – The Lesson of the Gardner

John 15 is a metaphor for life. It includes God as the Gardener, Jesus as the vine (think rose bush), and His people as the branches. Our joy and what we need for life comes from the life-sustaining sustenance of walking with Jesus–what He calls abiding in Him.  But the question is, how does God build character in His people? How does He grow fruit in us?   Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.