How can we identify "good tree" qualities in our own spiritual lives? Understanding the Metaphor “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:18) Jesus places character before conduct: what we are determines what we produce. The call is to examine output (fruit) in order to learn about the source (tree). Roots: What Feeds the Good Tree • Delighting in God’s Word—“His delight is in the Law of the LORD…He is like a tree planted by streams of water.” (Psalm 1:2-3) • Abiding in Christ—“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you…apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5) • Receiving the Spirit’s life—“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” (Romans 8:9) Fruit Inspection: Evidences That Show Up Look for what the Spirit inevitably produces: • Love—sacrificial concern for others (1 John 3:16-18) • Joy—deep gladness rooted in God, not circumstances (Philippians 4:4) • Peace—inner stability and relational harmony (Colossians 3:15) • Patience—long-suffering toward people and trials (James 5:10-11) • Kindness & Goodness—active benevolence (Ephesians 4:32) • Faithfulness—dependable obedience (1 Corinthians 4:2) • Gentleness—strength under control (Titus 3:2) • Self-control—governed desires (1 Corinthians 9:25) “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) Consistency Over Time Good fruit is not a one-time event. “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap.” (Galatians 6:9) Steady, ongoing fruit verifies healthy roots. Guarding Against Bad Fruit • Watch for hypocrisy—“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down.” (Matthew 7:19) • Reject worldly wisdom—“the wisdom from above is first pure…full of mercy and good fruit.” (James 3:17) • Confess and repent quickly—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) Practical Steps for Cultivating Good Tree Qualities 1. Daily Scripture intake: read, meditate, obey (Joshua 1:8). 2. Persistent prayer: draw life from the Vine (Luke 18:1). 3. Fellowship with fruitful believers: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) 4. Serve others intentionally: fruit ripens in action (Ephesians 2:10). 5. Submit to pruning: welcome the Father’s discipline that increases fruitfulness (John 15:2). By nurturing godly roots and regularly inspecting visible fruit, we can identify and encourage “good tree” qualities that honor Christ and bless others. |
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