#Wordfortheweek Week 11 #Fruit

“Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance, And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:8, 10 NKJV

Any time I see fruits on a tree, it gives me an indication that the tree is fruitful and not barren, in a way an evidence of fertility.

A fruit is also an indication that there will be reproduction of its kind. We can note that from creation and the declaration of God – “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. Genesis 1:11 NKJV).

Apart from the relation with plants, fruit is also likened to fertility of human beings – children are fruits of human reproduction. Fruits can also be likened to type of character in a person through the outcome of our words, actions and behaviours. By their fruits you shall know them.

In the outline passage above, John the Baptist was rebuking the religious leaders and teachers of that time – the Sadducee and Pharisees. They went to him to be baptised, with unrepentant hearts. How would John know they had not repented and turned to God?

The evidence was in their character. What they did was not in keeping with the spirit of the law. Jesus also laid the same reproach on them (Matthew 12:34). They were zealous to keep the letter of the law but not the spirit of it. Their actions were in contradiction to the spirit of love that underpinned the commandments of God.

Fruitfulness is also an evidence of life. As a child of God, the Holy Spirit quickens in us, the new life in Christ Jesus. We now have the Christ-like ability to bring forth fruit of the Spirit.

Fruits of a tree gives an indication of the type of tree it is. A good tree will bring forth a good fruit. A bad tree will bring forth bad fruit. A tree will not tell you if it was good or bad until you taste its fruit. A beautiful looking fruit is not an indication of how good the fruit is. It is not how you look but the outflow of your character – fruit, that evidence the Holy Spirit of God in you. When people relate with you, they will ‘taste’ your fruit.

Are people experiencing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you? The good fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

#Prayerfortheweek

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, that produces the fruit of life in me. May my life reflect Christ in me through my words and actions. Help me to remain fruitful as I abide in Christ who nourishes and produce good fruits in and through me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

#AdeolaAkintoye©

#ajourneytospiritualmaturity2020