Fruit…

Fruit…7-17-25

My grandson and I are alike in many ways. Our love for fruit is one of those. I am vigilant about keeping fruit for him to eat. He loves grapes, apples, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon, pears, and pineapples. I also love all the rest, although he is hesitant on some types such as kewi, mango, and doesn’t like bananas.

Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control". Just as my grandson and I love many types of fruit, our lives bear fruit in multiple ways. We can be patient and kind. We can show self-control and gentleness. We are faithful and love beyond measure .

You see, when fruit is attached to the vine, or hanging on the tree, it is given life, nutrients, and flourishes. Then, the fruit itself bears fruit or drops it’s seeds to grow and produce more fruit. The cycle continues. Apart from the tree or vine, the fruit cannot survive and grow. The flavor is not developed, the seed does not receive what it needs to sustain new growth within. The fruit withers and dies. Sometimes, even on the vine, if the fruit does not receive the nourishment daily, it slowly dies.

We, as Christians, bear fruit when we are attached to The Father. When we read His word, spend time in prayer, and go to His throne, we are nourished. We grow, we multiply, and we produce new fruit. When we are separated, we rot, decay, and the fruit dies. Our life does not reflect Him. John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

I love this verse in John 15:16, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.” I especially love the first part and knowing that God chose me. He loved me. He pursued me and the fruit I bear is sweet. That fruit will live on and produce more fruit if I remain close to God.