A 40 Day Journey to Becoming Like the One We Follow
Day 24: Fruit-Bearing (John 15:5)
We've already seen how Jesus exemplified all the "Fruit of the Spirit" that Paul mentions in Galatians 5. But the idea of bearing fruit goes further than that.
How do we know if someone is a good person or not? How do we discern whether or not to trust them? or to confide in them? or if they would make a good leader? or a good spouse?
We look at the fruit of their lives.
This isn't the same as being judgmental. Just a few sentences after telling us not to judge others, Jesus warns us about certain types of people to avoid - "You will know them by their fruit," he says. This isn't judging. It's observing.
There are some people who bear the fruit of broken relationships in their lives. Some bear the fruit of burnt bridges, traumatic conflicts, or a line of bodies they've thrown under the bus.
But they aren't able to see their own fruit. They can't confidently say, "It's me. Hi. I'm the problem, it's me."
The fruit Jesus bears is a 2000 year legacy of world-change. During his ministry he left healing and transformation in his wake. He welcomed the outcast, fed the hungry, preached to the poor, healed the sick, and spoke truth to power.
Now he calls his followers to do the same. He's the Vine, we're the branches. If we remain in him we'll bear all this good fruit in our lives, too.
Take a moment and reflect on the fruit of your life. Or on the fruit of your church. Or your marriage. Or your business. What kind of fruit (if any) are you bearing? How do people see you and recognize you as a follower of Christ?
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