Jesus told his audience that “by this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples” (John 15:8). He had been using the analogy of the vine. The vinedresser is God the Father, the vine is Jesus Christ, and the branches are human souls. The branches that bear no fruit are cut off and thrown into the fire, while the branches that do bear fruit are pruned.
An expert gardener enjoys a certain glory when she sees her garden blooming, and an expert farmer also enjoys something similar when he sees his crops growing up healthy. Parents enjoy a certain glory when they see their children succeed. You might call it a vicarious glory, but it truly is a positive feeling of accomplishment. Children, too, feel good to see that they have pleased their parents. At the adolescent level, there exists a need for affirmation from one’s parents, but this need can mature to the point that the adult child takes delight in seeing the happiness of a beloved parent.
This is why it is good not only to bring our sins into our prayer life, but also, on other occasions, to bring our good deeds before God in prayer. He is glorified by the good fruit that we bear. The purpose of this reflection is to challenge you to see that glory in Him.