As Christians, we are called to a life of spiritual fruitfulness. This is not just a suggestion, but a command from God himself. In this empowering message, we’ll explore the importance of bearing fruit in our lives and uncover the key steps to cultivating a harvest that will bring glory to God and bless those around us.
The Command to Bear Fruit
From the very beginning, God has placed a high value on fruitfulness. In the book of Genesis, we see God’s instruction to Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). This divine mandate extends to all of us as followers of Christ. Jesus himself reinforces this truth, saying, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
The call to bear fruit is not optional; it is a command that reveals the very heart of God. He desires to see His children thriving, not simply existing. When we are fruitful, we bring glory to the Father and demonstrate the transformative power of our faith in Christ.
Understanding True Spiritual Fruitfulness
But what does it mean to be “fruitful” in a spiritual sense? It’s not just about the outward appearance of religiosity or the number of activities we’re involved in. True spiritual fruitfulness is a reflection of the condition of our hearts and the authenticity of our relationship with God.
Fruitfulness Reveals Our Spiritual Condition
Jesus warned against relying on outward appearances to determine one’s spiritual state. He said, “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” (Matthew 7:15-16).
The fruit of our lives, whether good or bad, is a clear indicator of the condition of our hearts. As the Apostle James reminds us, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). Genuine faith in Christ will inevitably lead to genuine repentance and good works.
Fruitfulness Comes from Genuine Repentance
There are two types of repentance that we must be aware of: repentance with motives and repentance in brokenness. Repentance with motives, such as a desire to avoid punishment or to reunite with a loved one, may lead to a temporary change in behavior, but it lacks the depth of true transformation.
In contrast, repentance in brokenness is a response to the realization that we have sinned against a holy God and are unworthy of His love and grace. This type of repentance leads to a genuine desire to turn away from sin and wholeheartedly pursue God. It is this kind of repentance that produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Blessings of Spiritual Fruitfulness
When we bear fruit in our lives, it not only brings glory to God but also bestows blessings upon others. Let’s explore two key areas where fruitfulness can have a profound impact:
Fruitfulness in Evangelism
Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16). The primary purpose for which God has chosen us is to bear fruit through the proclamation of the gospel. When we share the good news of Jesus Christ with others and see them come to faith, we are storing up eternal treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Fruitfulness in Character
Alongside our evangelistic efforts, the fruit of the Spirit in our lives also serves to bless those around us. As we grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), we become effective witnesses for Christ, drawing others to the transformative power of the gospel.
A Call to Fruitfulness
My dear friends, the time is now to evaluate the fruitfulness of our lives. Have we been complacent, settling for a lukewarm faith? Or have we wholeheartedly pursued the transformative power of the gospel, allowing the Holy Spirit to produce an abundant harvest in our lives?
Remember, God’s expectation is not that we remain spiritual babies forever, but that we grow and mature, becoming effective witnesses for His kingdom. Let us heed the words of Jesus, who said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
As we close, I want to challenge you to reflect on the following questions:
- What areas of my life are currently bearing spiritual fruit?
- Where do I need to repent and allow God to produce a deeper transformation in my heart?
- How can I intentionally cultivate an environment for the Holy Spirit to work in my life and bear abundant fruit?
Remember, our spiritual fruitfulness is not just about our own personal growth, but about blessing those around us and glorifying our Heavenly Father. So let us rise up and become the fruitful disciples that God has called us to be!