In the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament as well, we see that the true work of God in our lives will produce good fruit (John 15:16). In fact, Jesus Himself says that we have been both chosen and ordained to bring forth fruit. Genuine repentance will result in fruit-bearing of various proportions. The fruit in a person’s life, good or bad reveals the root of one’s beliefs.
Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree, which symbolized the fruitless (unspiritual) condition of Israel towards God. This symbolism can also be applied to individuals. A vital part of fruit-bearing is found in Jesus’ teaching about death to self. The only way that we can have a fruitful life is by abiding in close, intimate communion with Jesus. This will produce the fruit of holiness.
You see, we cannot produce godly fruit apart from Jesus. We can only produce, or I should say, “export” good fruit as a result of our union with Him. “Heaven’s produce” is found in Galatians 5:22-23: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” This fruit is manifested in “goodness, righteousness, and truth.” These are some of the things that come through Jesus Christ and bring glory to God.
The Gospel, properly proclaimed and received, produces fruit and a closer fellowship with our dear Lord. Our Father’s correction is meant to produce in us “the peaceable fruit of righteousness”. Because of all Jesus has done for us, we should “continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” We need heavenly wisdom, which is full of good fruit, and should seek “the fruit of righteousness (that) is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
The Tree of Life bears fruit in heaven; so does the tree of Calvary. What is growing on your tree?
