God Will Never Cut You Off

Many of us have been taught that if we don’t live up to certain Christian standards, we risk losing God’s blessing, presence, or favor. We've been led to believe that unless we "get it right," God might cut us off. What a terrifying thought.

But that idea stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of who God is and what the Bible really says. When we misread scripture, we end up portraying God as distant, conditional, and quick to punish when we fall short.

Take John 15:1–2, for example—a passage often used to support the belief that God will cast us aside if we don’t produce results:

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 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 15:1–2, NKJV)

This is frequently interpreted as, “If you’re not fruitful, God will remove you.” However, when we study the original language and context, a very different picture emerges.

First, the phrase “takes away” comes from the Greek word airo, which actually means “to lift up” or “to raise.” It doesn’t mean “cut off.”

My husband and I once lived in a house with a grapevine in the backyard. When a branch wasn’t producing fruit, it was often because it had fallen to the ground. But when we lifted it up—propping it out of the dirt—it would thrive and bear fruit. That’s the image Jesus is giving us.

Let’s look at the second part of the verse:

“…and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

I used to find this part even more unsettling. I was taught that even when I was doing well, God would still “cut” me so I could grow. But is that really the heart of a loving Father?

Again, the original Greek word—kathairo—sheds light. It means “to cleanse” or “to purify,” not to wound. It can also mean “to make amends” or “to free from impurity.” Jesus is describing a gentle, loving process of removing what hinders us—not a harsh act of punishment.

The next verse brings it all together:

“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you.” (John 15:3–4, NKJV)

God isn’t watching your behavior to determine whether to bless or abandon you. He has already made you clean through Jesus. And when you struggle, He doesn’t cast you aside—He lifts you up.

Jesus simply asks us to abide in Him. That means remaining connected to His love, not striving to earn it. We rest in His grace, trusting that He is the one who produces growth in us.

A branch doesn’t force itself to grow fruit. Have you ever heard a vine groaning, “Must… produce… grapes…”? Of course not. Fruit comes naturally when the branch stays connected to the vine. The Church needs to rediscover the truth of God’s love. When we stop striving and start abiding, we begin to flourish. And out of that connection, fruit will come—beautiful, abundant, and full of life.