Bearing fruit

When God asks his people to bear fruit, it's an invitation to allow him to work in them. Right back at the beginning of the Bible, God wants his people to 'be fruitful'. In Genesis, he says it about twenty times. This makes sense at the start of human existence - having babies is necessary for, well, humans to exist. But, 'bearing fruit' can mean something different too. Jesus wants his people to bear good fruit (see Matthew 7:17), what we'd call the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Things like love, joy, peace, kindness, etc. 'Fruit' that helps people recognise who God's followers are.

Where are we at the moment? Maybe we're waiting for God to show us the next step in his plan for us. That's great! But while we're waiting, let's humbly ask him for the fruit of his Spirit to multiply what he wants to grow in us. Whatever God's plan for us is, it'll include growing fruit for others to see him in us.

If we're willing, he'll work with us to grow us into fruit-bearing, God-rooted, solid oak trees. So, right now is a good time to get to work, study those fruits and start including them where we're struggling to reflect him.



So what now? This is the fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23). Pick one that's not showing so obviously in your life at the moment. Pray for God to increase its visibility as you practise it daily.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Be fruitful and multiply.' Genesis 1:28 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

2 Chr 25-28, Mark 6:45-56, Ps 119:89-96, Pro 21:20-23