Thursday 24 February 2022
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
‘… you will know them by their fruits.’ (v. 20)
Background
Fruit and fruitfulness is a deeply rooted image which is used by Jesus on a number of occasions to speak of the life of a disciple. In John’s Gospel, Jesus is clear that he is the vine and we are the branches (John 15) and if we continue to ‘abide’ in him, then the lives we live will produce good things – fruit – which others will see in us and want to know more about.
In his letter to the Galatian Christians, Paul takes the image further and describes how a disciple whose life is full of the Holy Spirit (God’s presence within) will be seen as loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. Say it quickly and it sounds good, take the time to think about it more deeply and the challenge is plain to see!
‘It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it’ is a song written by jazz musicians Melvin 'Sy' Oliver and James 'Trummy' Young. It was first recorded in 1939 by Jimmie Lunceford, Harry James, and Ella Fitzgerald. In a way, that’s what Jesus was saying when he spoke of being known by the fruit we bear.
Be known by the ways of Jesus and you will bear more fruit than you imagine in showing and sharing God’s love.
To Ponder:
- In whose life do you see Christian fruit?
- What fruit of the Spirit do you want / need to show more of?
Listen
‘Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee’ (Tomlin version)
Prayer
Generous God, plant your seeds of grace in my life that I may be fruitful for you in all things. Amen.