Our Fruit

VVV

The fruit by which we are known is the gospel of Jesus Christ that comes from our mouth (and our actions, our testimony to the world, the life we live) (Matthew 12:33-37) If we are fruitful in our speech we will also display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26). The fruit contains the seed and without fruit no seed is planted. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13), Jesus said that the seed is the Word of God and the seed will fall on different types of ground. The good ground will produce a good harvest but only if the seed is sown. Therefore, if there is no fruit then so seed will be planted and if so seed is planted then no harvest can be expected.

Leaves do not count as fruit. Luke 13:6-9 tells us of a tree that had ample time to develop but bore no fruit. The owner was ready to cut it down lest it use up space and resources that could be used by a productive tree. While the story probably referred to the Jewish nation, it also applies to the churches of today and to our individual lives. The simple moral of the story is ‘Bear fruit or be replaced!’ In Mark 11:12-21, we read that Jesus saw a fig tree in full leaf and went to it – not to judge its species (denomination, doctrine) which was evident by its leaves but to judge its fruitfulness. Finding no fruit on the beautifully clothed tree, he immediately cursed the tree and caused it to wither from the roots (totally, permanently). This was done during his last days of teaching in the temple at Jerusalem and is prophetic of what was to come of the Jewish authorities who had such wonderful religion but did not bear the fruit of the gospel (Matthew 12:33-37). Many churches of today display beautiful laves but Jesus is looking for fruit that contains seed that produces a harvest. What is necessary for us to be fruitful Christians today?

Heavenly Father, help me to develop the qualities of your Spirit within me necessary to witness for you. Feed me the Word that I need and give me understanding so that my faith will be increased.