Fruit Inspector

Clearly, when you look at an apple tree, you can tell that the fruit it produces are apples. The same for any other type of tree that produces fruit: cherry trees, lemon trees, peach trees, etc. You might not be able to tell the difference by looking at the original seed that the tree grew from, but over time as the tree grows, it’ll bear the fruit it’s designed to make.

We are similar to the trees. Sometimes you can meet someone and have a general idea what type of person they are. And as you get to know them better, their “fruit” becomes more evident. They may be cheerful and optimistic of life, or negative and only see the worst in situations. While God calls us not to judge others, He tells us to be mindful of the fruit we bear as Christians. What type of character do you show to other people? God knows our hearts, and even though we may try to portray a certain type of fruit, He knows what’s really growing on the inside.

Matthew 7:15-18 says “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”

As humans, by nature, we have a sinful seed that we all grow from. As we go through life growing spiritually, God prunes the old branches so that the new ones can grow in its place. Our leaves can flourish and our fruit can be exposed. What type of fruit do you bear? When others look at you, do they see rotten fruit that’s been eaten by bugs with withered branches? Or do they see your fruit blossoming and growing beautifully?