Captured by Grace Devotionals Day 29

Fruitful

 

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Romans 6:22

 

Nutritionists tell us that eating five fruits a day can reduce the risk factors for heart attacks—high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excessive weight.  Fruit consumption is effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.  It also retards the aging process and promotes mental health.

 

In the Bible, fruit is a metaphor for qualities beneficial for Christian living.  Galatians 5:22 talks about the “fruit of the Spirit”—love, joy, peace, patience, and other attitudes reflective of Christ.  In Hebrews 13:15, we’re told to offer the fruit of our lips, praise to His name.  Philippians 1:11 says we should be filled with the “fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

 

Paul described the results of ministry as the “fruit” of His labors, and Jesus told us in John 15 that we should be bearing fruit, more fruit, and much fruit (verses 2, 4, and 5).

 

What would you think of a gardener whose trees never yielded fruit?  Are you like a tree by the rivers of water that brings forth fruit in its season?

 

 

We glorify God by fruitfulness. . . . And we must bear much fruit; it is muchness of fruit that glorifies God.

Thomas Watson

 

Recommended Reading: John 15:1-8