GROW UP AND CUT IT OFF
Pastor Eli Nelson
It’s Time to Grow and Cut It Off – A Biblical Guide to Relationships
At My City Church, we believe that relationships are one of the most powerful aspects of our faith journey. Whether it’s friendships, family, dating, marriage, or community, how we navigate relationships shapes our spiritual growth.
In this week’s message, Pastor Elishaun dives into John 15, where Jesus teaches about being the true vine and how God, as the gardener, prunes us to help us bear good fruit.
John 15:1-2 – The Power of Pruning
📖 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
Spiritual pruning is not punishment—it’s preparation. God removes things from our lives to help us grow in faith, relationships, and purpose.
What Do You Need to Cut Off?
To walk in God’s purpose, we must let go of unhealthy mindsets, toxic relationships, and distractions that hold us back. Here are four things you need to “cut off” to grow in your relationships and faith:
1️⃣ Cut Off the Fairytale – Stop Believing in Hollywood Love
Many of us have unrealistic expectations for relationships based on movies, social media, and culture. We expect a perfect romance where everything falls into place. But real love isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment.
📖 Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Stop searching for “the one” and start focusing on becoming the right one.
✔️ Healthy relationships require work, communication, and spiritual growth.
✔️ Marriage is about two complete people coming together to complement each other, not to “complete” each other.
Truth: Love is not a feeling—it’s a choice.
2️⃣ Cut Off Toxic Relationships – Choose Healthy Circles
The Bible is clear: who you surround yourself with matters. Whether it’s friendships, dating, or marriage, your relationships will either draw you closer to God or pull you away from Him.
📖 Amos 3:3 – “Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
How to Identify a Toxic Relationship:
❌ They pull you away from your faith.
❌ They lack respect, honesty, or trust.
❌ They don’t encourage spiritual growth.
📖 Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Action Steps:
✔️ Surround yourself with people who honor God.
✔️ Pray for discernment in your relationships.
✔️ If a relationship is unhealthy, set boundaries or let it go.
3️⃣ Cut Off Feelings that Control You – Lead with Faith, Not Emotions
Many people let emotions dictate their decisions in relationships. But love, joy, and commitment are choices, not feelings.
📖 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
How to Take Control of Your Feelings:
✔️ Don’t react—respond in faith.
✔️ Make decisions based on truth, not temporary emotions.
✔️ Practice self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
4️⃣ Cut Off Past Hurts – Walk in Forgiveness and Freedom
Past betrayals, heartbreaks, and disappointments can harden our hearts and make us hesitant to trust again. But Jesus calls us to forgive and move forward in faith.
📖 Psalm 32:1-2 – “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them.”
Healing Steps:
✔️ Forgive those who hurt you—even if they don’t deserve it.
✔️ Let go of shame from your past mistakes—God has already forgiven you.
✔️ Allow God to restore your heart and bring new relationships into your life.
🙌 Truth: Your past mistakes don’t define your future. God’s grace covers you!
Take the Next Step: Build Healthy, Godly Relationships
Whether you’re married, dating, single, or healing from past relationships, God is calling you to grow, cut off what’s unhealthy, and trust Him.
🚀 Action Steps to Apply Today:
✅ Ask God to reveal areas in your life that need pruning.
✅ Join a church community that encourages healthy relationships.
✅ Sign up for My City Church’s Relationship Groups.
📢 Want to grow in godly relationships? Join our Marriage & Relationship Course and learn how to build strong, faith-filled connections.
