Known By Fruits

“You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” ~Matthew 7:16-17

This is part of the Sermon on the Mount - Jesus was teaching His followers to be careful of false preachers. Often the mention of fruit is positive, referring to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). But this is a warning.

Whenever I see “thorns and thistles”, my mind goes right to the fall of man in Genesis 3:17-18: "Because you have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat from it,' cursed is the ground because of you. You'll eat from it through pain-filled labor for the rest of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you…”

This connects mankind, fallen in Adam to bad fruit. Conversely, Jesus Christ who redeems humanity, to good fruit, which is only produced when the Spirit of God is active in our hearts. We have moments when we act like Adam and others when we are like Christ. Good fruit is produced through us by God. Bad fruit comes when we are separated from Him. Sometimes, it’s only for a moment. Other times is can last for months, or even years. But you can ALWAYS come back. God NEVER says, “you’ve reached your quota”. God says, “you’re Mine and I will ALWAYS leave the 99 and come to find you. Welcome home My child!”

Have a blessed day!

Bonnie
Blessed Be Boutique

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