BEARING GOOD FRUITS
Updated: Sep 8
Staying Attached to the Vine
An Aesop story tells of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, which captures the essence of our study today.
A hungry wolf wanted to get close to a flock but knew the sheep would run when they saw him. So, he found a sheep’s skin, put it over himself, and quietly slipped in among the flock. The sheep were deceived and accepted him as one of them.
But even the shepherd was deceived at first. Mistaking the wolf for a sheep, he chose it for the evening meal. Ultimately, the wolf’s disguise—his attempt to look like a sheep—could not save him.
The truth was revealed, and his deception led to his destruction.
This story came to mind as I reflected on a question in the Bible about recognizing people by their fruit. Jesus says, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16), and then He follows it with a question:
“Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?”—Matthew 7:16, NIV
Jesus used this question to explain that fruit reflects the nature of where it comes from. The answer is obvious: grapes come from grapevines, and figs come from fig trees.
Grapes cannot be gathered from thornbushes, nor figs from thistles; if they could, it would be an anomaly—something is not right.
Just as we saw with the wolf, it may wear a sheep’s skin, but it cannot truly become a sheep. Try as it may, it cannot reflect the true nature of a sheep.
In the same way, as believers who profess to be children of God and followers of Christ, we must bear fruit that reflects the nature of God and Jesus.
Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, describes the kind of fruit we are expected to bear as children of God—fruit that makes us recognizable as those in whom the Spirit of God dwells:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”—Galatians 5:22–23, ESV
He makes a stark distinction between the fruit of the Spirit and the contrasting works that grow from the flesh:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.”—Galatians 5:19–21, NIV
Paul warns that those who live this way will not inherit the kingdom of God.
These Scriptures teach us that, to be truly recognized as Christians—followers of Jesus—our lives must show that His life is within us.
However, we know that bearing the fruit expected of us is not always easy—especially when faced with challenging situations. For example, consider the parent-child relationship: when a child chooses a path different from what we desire, or when we face an unexpected delay at the doctor’s office, patience can seem elusive. In moments when we are in a hurry and someone is holding us up, gentleness and self-control are often hard to find.
In fact, some of the attitudes we display may resemble the works of the flesh—for example, enmity, fits of anger, or envy. These tendencies are all too easy to fall into in our day-to-day lives; they may even feel natural at times.
Thankfully, Jesus gives us a solution to help us avoid bearing such fruit.
Jesus, speaking about fruit, says that for us to bear fruit in the nature of God, we must remain in Him:
“No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”—John 15:4, NIV
In other words, our connection to God enables us to bear good fruit:
“Apart from me you can do nothing.”—John 15:5, NIV
Scripture also says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24)—which includes all the works of the flesh.
In fact, Jesus promises that the more we remain attached to Him, the more we will bear much fruit—abundant and lasting fruit (John 15:5, 16).
What a wonderful promise! The more closely we stay connected to Him, the more we become like our Father, and the richer and more joyful our lives become—full of beauty and all the good promises of God.
How, then, do we stay attached to God and Jesus?
Loving God with all our heart
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” —Deuteronomy 6:5, NIV
Inviting the Holy Spirit into our lives daily and working with Him
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” —Galatians 5:16, NIV
Reading and meditating on God’s Word
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night…” —Joshua 1:8, NIV
Praying and remaining in conversation with God
“Pray continually.” —1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish…” —John 15:7, NIV
Obeying His Word
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love.” —John 15:10, NIV
May we remain in Him so that we bear fruit that resembles Him.
Reflection
As you go about your day, reflect on the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Which of these do you desire most in your life?
O Lord, teach us to be like You in all we do, so that we can truly represent You every day as Your children and bear good and lasting fruit, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Have a lovely weekend!
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