FRUIT: Abide & Grow

John 15:4 "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

Last week we talked about Godly character traits and mentioned the fruits of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The verse of John 15:4 is Jesus speaking of these fruits we bear that can only be possible if we are a branch that remains in the vine. He is the Vine and we are the branches that bear the fruit of the Spirit of God.

In the Old Testament the fruit spoken of was mostly the produce from the tree. The actual editable fruit of the tree. The people gave their first-fruits as a burnt offering to the Lord. There was also the fruit of the womb meaning the children born. There was the fruit of the land which is what was produced by tilling the ground and growing food. But it was in the New Testament Jesus taught of the fruits which was Holy Spirit produced fruit that showed in how we live life here on earth towards others.

Just like a tree or land that produces food for human consumption we hear from Jesus that by being connected to Him we can produce a spiritual fruit and use that on a day-to-day basis in all aspects of our lives. If we are not connected to Jesus our production of Godly characteristics will be lacking. Living a Godly life and being in the word of God will increase as our branch in Him grows stronger and stronger. Our fruitfulness will continue to increase and be pleasing to the Lord and to others.

Matthew 7:20 "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

In the days and weeks ahead be encouraged to press in to Jesus the Vine who gives us the daily feedings we need so that our fruits will be noticeable and working effectively in lives today.

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