“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.” Matthew 7:16-18 NIV
As Christians, our lives should reflect the fact that we are made new. No matter how long you have been walking with Christ, there is still a newness because we are developing fruit. Christian maturity is a long-term process evidenced by producing the Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the spirit as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
For some Christians, there is a complete lifestyle change when they become a believer. For others, the change in their hearts may be subtle at first, but as time passes, the Fruit of the Spirit is seen on display in their lives.
Let us all examine our hearts and our actions and look at the fruit we are producing. Is our fruit honoring to God? Or is it reminiscent of our old sinful nature?
Spiritual maturity is God’s goal for every Christian!
Faithfully,
Pastor R. Mario Howell