John 15:8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
The good fruits that people see and taste in us prove that we are the disciples of Jesus. The fruit of love, compassion, patience, kindness, godliness, holiness, humility, meekness, purity etc are the evidence that we are the followers of the One who loved the world and died on the cross for us. Our talents and spiritual gifts are useful to build God’s kingdom but our spiritual gifts of healing, prophecy or preaching are not the conclusive evidence to validate that we are the disciples of Jesus. “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words only when necessary.” – Francis of Assisi. Our actions and reactions preach better sermons than deep theological orations.
Under good conditions the fruit-bearing age of a tree could be somewhere between one to two years. Apple, apricot, and sour cherry require three to five years; peach two to four; pear and plum four to six; and sweet cherry five to seven. The lifespan of a healthy apple tree bears fruit for about 50 to 80 years. Almonds can live up to 50 years; Cherry and citrus up to 35 years and fig up to 75 years. Mango and pears can live up to 200 to 250 years and produce fruits! It is not so with humans. We don’t produce good, sweet and juicy fruits automatically even if we are in good homes, social or church environments. The fruits of godliness must be cultivated by us. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12). Joy must be our choice in hopelessness, afflictions and faithfulness. Spiritual fruits are not grown in good conditions but in conundrums and challenges.
“Maturity does not come with age; sometimes age comes alone” – John C Maxwell.
Fruit trees and humans:
1. Soil: Fruit trees thrive best in well drained sandy soil. The human heart is the soil that bears good fruits. If the heart is corrupt the fruits, (words, actions and reactions) will be bitter and sour. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23). If we don’t like our reactions we must check the rhythm of our heartbeat. If the heart hoards hostility our reactions will automatically be anger and antagonism.
2. Support: Fruit trees need support to grow healthy and strong. Homemade compost, mulch and fertilizers support the growth and the produce. Likewise, what we nourish ourselves with will determine the taste, texture and flavour of our actions. Feed on God’s promises and talk to positive encouraging people. The pessimistic and petty heads will inculcate fear and doubt into our hearts.
3. Season: Fruit trees have a season when they bear fruits but it is not so with us. We must be ready to bear fruits in and out of season. Our fruits taste sweeter than normal when we remain calm and approachable even during difficult times.
Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control do not grow anecdotally. Good fruits and godliness must be cultivated.
Matthew 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to glorify you in my life. Help me to exhibit good fruits in my thoughts, words and behaviour. Amen
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