The Voice Of Truth: 1-15-18

FRUITFUL

“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” — John‬ ‭15:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Bible teaches us that a tree is known by our fruit (Matthew 7:17, 20). What kind of fruit are you producing? We must produce fruit in keeping with our salvation, which is the Character of Christ (Galatians 5:11).

As followers of Christ, we are known by our actions—the fruit we produce. It’s easy to say that we love God and love people, isn’t it? After all, we are commanded to do so (Matthew 22:37-39). But actions, my friends, always speak louder than words. It’s not enough to say that we love God. We must provide it by serving Him. Nor is it enough to say that we love people. We must prove it by serving them. Easier said than done, right?

For too long, we have been known for what we don’t do, rather than for what we should do. What I mean is, we criticize instead of encourage; judge instead of extend mercy; express bitterness instead of joy; anxiety instead of peace; are selfish instead of generous. My friends, this should not be the case. Jesus said, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples”
— John 13:34-35 NLT. If you want the world to see Christ in you, then ask God to produce the Fruit of the Spirit in you: love, joy, peace, patient, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we exhibit these characteristics in our lives, then we will be able to extend the love God to others through word and deed.

Prayer: LORD, fill me with Your great love so that I can love others in a genuine and practical way. Produce the fruit of the Spirit in my life, so that others will be nourished by it. Let the character of Christ Jesus shine brightly in my life for the world to see, and let others be changed as a result. Let everything I do, be done, for the glory of God and the good of the people. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

-championrm