Thoughts for the Day October 1, 2020

 

In the book of John we learn about the Vine and Branches. Jesus emphasized that Christians must produce fruit. By comparing believers to the branches on a grape vine, Jesus explained that we do not produce fruit through our own efforts. We bear fruit only by uniting with Him and letting him work through us:

         

15⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15: 5-8)

The amount of fruit we bear correlates with how apparent it is to others that we are believers. Our faith is known to others through the good deeds that overflow from our character, or the fruit we bear. This behavior must be consistent—since unbelievers  are very sensitive to our inconsistencies. More often than not, they look for them. So,  if we are to bear the kind of fruit Jesus is talking about—the kind that draws others to our way of believing—there must be a regular harvest.  We must ask, "What fruit do I see in my life and is it drawing others to Christ?”  (The Inspirational Study Bible, Max Lucado)