You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Matt 7:16)
Suzanne Mumpower is a friend of mine. She writes two blog-spots, one of which is "sinfully delicious" (365 Individual Desserts in 365 Days). I have enjoyed some of those recipes. I came across this posting on "Suzanne's Blatherings" and after reading it, asked if she'd mind if I reposted it. So here it is..."Christian Fruit..."
I've been doing a Bible study lately on the fruit that gives evidence that someone is a Christian, and I have found some interesting truths. In Matthew 7:16, Jesus says, "Ye shall know them by their fruits..." Again in Matthew 12:33, He says, "...the tree is known by his fruit." We know that we can discern what kind of tree we see by the fruit it bears. An apple tree will always bear apples, and a peach tree will always bear peaches, etc. Thusly, a Christian will always bear Christian fruit.
So, what is Christian fruit? Many people say it is the good works done by a Christian and lost souls brought to Christ by a Christian. These are, indeed, good things which should be present in a Christian's life, but from my study, I have concluded that is not the identifying fruit Jesus was speaking of. In fact, Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:22-23, "Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in they name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." There are lots of people doing good things and even bringing the lost to Christ, but sadly, some of them are lost themselves.
Galatians 5:22-23 tells us: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." This nine-fold fruit will be evident, to varying degrees, in every Christian. Notice that none of the nine elements listed above are actions. The fruit (or proof) that we are Christians are characteristics rather than deeds.
In the Gospels, Jesus often refers to us as branches. We are to bear fruit, even as branches on a tree. Let's consider a branch on an apple tree. What does that branch DO to bear fruit? It doesn't do any works. It abides in the tree. As the branch is connected to the trunk, receiving nourishment from the root, it produces apples. Likewise, as we are connected to Christ and receiving nourishment from His Word, we will produce fruit that others will be able to see in our lives.
As Christians, we should be characterized by the nine parts of the fruit of the Spirit. The first three parts should characterize our relationship with God: love, joy and peace. Our relationships with others should evidence longsuffering, gentleness and goodness. And, inside ourselves, we should be filled with faith meekness and temperance.
Just as good works will never save anyone, and good works cannot keep us saved, good works should not be the only thing identifying us as children of God.
