“You will know them by their fruits.” —Matthew 7:16
“Enjoy the fruits of your labor.”
We have all heard this phrase stated in our daily lives. In the natural and spiritual, we have created a narrow definition of ‘our fruits’ to the confinement of labor and works. Though we are given the gift to enjoy the fruits of our labor (Ecclesiastics 5:18-19)—the fruit expands far beyond just reaping what has been sown. What exactly is the fruit that is mentioned throughout the Word? The fruit refers to our character, actions, works, and way of life in The Holy Spirit. The fruit is simply the outward evidence of a life that inwardly abides in Jesus. The fruit is the proof of a life that is surrendered to the Vine. The fruit is the representation and manifestation of the Father within you. The fruit of The Spirit includes: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and, self-control which is the nature of God. Good fruit must always point back to God Himself. How do we live a life that bears good fruit? As believers, we were predestined to bear good fruit. Genesis 1:12, shows us God’s first encounter with His creation of plants and vegetation: “And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” The fruit trees mentioned in the second half of the verse refers to the fruits that contain seeds.
Before fruit is known, it must originate in seed form. The seed will give history and memory to the preparation and development of the fruit. We must pay attention to where and how the seed is planted. If the seeds are established in self-made or dry grounds, it will produce bad fruit—which becomes unusable. If the seeds are established within the characteristics of God, then it will produce good fruit. In order to produce good fruit—it must come from a good tree. “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:18). Once it takes root, it will begin the process of either growing apart or with the Father. When good fruit grows with the Father it produces harvest and multiplication. The fruit reveals a heart that is hidden in Christ. How does good fruit show itself in your life? In order for the fruit to be known, it must be filtered through The Spirit to be seen in the natural. The physical manifestation of the fruit starts in the atmosphere. The fruit then shows up in your posture of selflessness—the way you care and give to others. The fruit shows up as a result of how you carry yourself in Christ; you are mindful of your words and actions. The fruit shows in your obedience and discipline; you are willing to do the right thing even if it will cost you everything. The fruit shows up in the encouragement that you send others. Though we do not actively do the works of God to be recognized; nevertheless, our fruit will speak volumes. Your good fruits produce a harvest that is pleasing to the Father. The fruit is more than reaping the benefits. It is more than the reward of faithfulness. It represents a lifestyle that consistently and fervently seeks God in the secret places. A lifestyle that is in posture to praise even when it makes no sense. A lifestyle that wants what God wants. The fruit is a direct reflection of Jesus. What can you discern from your fruit? What does the fruit in your life look like? Can others see your fruit in Christ? As we continue to bear good fruit, God will prune it in such a way that creates an abundance of fruitfulness.
“The fruit of The Spirit in your life could contain the seed for someone else.” —Stephanie Beaulieu
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