THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 6:43-45
“Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.” (Luke 6:44)
What kind of ‘fruit’ does my life produce?
Jesus is referring to the words and deeds that I exhibit.
Since no one is perfect, everyone will be a mix of good and bad fruit.
But what is the dominant fruit, the overall ‘taste’ of my life?
Or to use Jesus’ words, what am I “full of”?
And what fruit do I put the most effort into?
Changing our fruit is not simply a matter of choosing to make a change.
Doing what Jesus says (see Luke 6:27-36) goes against everything within us.
Character renewal is not just hard work, it is impossible on our own.
But if we want to change, Jesus is willing to help us.
His fruit of love, joy, peace, etc. is available to us, if we really want it.
Jesus invites us to become disciples with Him, to grow like Him, to live for Him.
And as we grow as disciples, with His Spirit working in us, change will result.
People will start to note that we are “full of” a different kind of fruit.
But it all starts with being connected to Jesus, being in relationship with Him.
“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.” (John 15:5)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You keep bringing me back to this starting point – I need to strenghthen my connection to You. Only with You can I becoming more like You, so that I can produce good fruit for You.