Proof in the Fruit

“So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:20 CSB)

Have you ever driven by an orchard and wondered what kind of trees were there? In the winter when all the leaves are gone it is difficult to tell. To non-experts, even when there are leaves it isn’t easy to know. When the fruit appears, however, then you know – these are peach trees or apple trees or whatever tree. The proof is in the fruit.

So, how do you know that a Christian, or a pastor, or a deacon, or a Sunday school teacher, or any other church leader is the real thing? Same way – the proof is in the fruit. What fruit is being produced in and through that person’s life?

Authenticity is established by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit dwells in the hearts of the people of God, those who belong to God, and when He does, He always produces fruit. The fruit of the Spirit includes: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. When you see these produced consistently in the life of someone who says he or she is a Christian, you can be certain that is the truth. The proof is in the fruit.

Does this mean that Christians are perfect people who never commit sin? Not at all. Christians do sin, but when they do they always return to the Lord in repentance, seeking forgiveness. Their desire is that the Holy Spirit continue to produce fruit that honors God. The proof is in the fruit.

Lord, Today and each day, may we be filled with Your Spirit so that fruit will be produced in and through us, for Your honor and glory. Amen.