Chosen to bear fruit
It’s apple harvest season in the western counties of our state. Years ago, my husband and I would make a trip (or several) each fall to purchase apples. I’d choose the apples carefully, wanting the best fruit to serve my purpose. Did you know that we, as God’s children, are chosen to bear fruit?
Jesus said:
“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.” (John 15:5)
On our mountain trek, I sought the best fruit for my purposes. I didn’t need the first quality, perfect with no blemishes, but I looked for firm, healthy fruit that would last until I completed the preservation process. My multiple purposes included drying (dehydrating) and making applesauce, and jelly.
We’re sort of like those apples, aren’t we? I’m not perfect–I have some faults, blemishes, and scars from life. But there’s still so much I can be. God uses each of us to bear fruit that we share with others.
Learning to Share Fruit
I’ve often attended a state wide meeting of the Methodist Church as a delegate. Held in a lovely mountain valley, the setting is ideal for reflection, inspiration, and absorbing the beauty of our Father’s amazing creation.
One of the messages shared in worship reminded us God chose us to bear fruit in service to His people–fruit that will last.
Three Baskets of Fruit
The speaker, Bryan Collier, discussed three ways we share fruit*:
1. Through the harvest
As workers in His service, we introduce people to Christ. Although not an easy task, sharing Jesus with others is a vital aspect of our calling. Some ways we fulfill this calling are to invite people to Christian worship and fellowship, gather together in Bible study, include others in opportunities to serve, and continue to pray for opportunities to reach others in Christ.
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:2-3)
Can you share other ways we can join in the harvest?
2. We become fruitful
In our lives of dedication and commitment to our Savior, we become more like Him. Then God provides opportunities to serve others through our actions, service, and prayers. In our daily interactions with others, we share fruit through the gifts of joy, kindness, and compassion. In a world of busyness, frustration, and anger, sharing love brings hope.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32).
3. The presentation of our fruit
What kind of fruit do we present to others? Do people see the Light of Jesus in our daily lives? If we are rooted in Christ, others will observe Him in action through us.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25)
Chosen to Bear Fruit
Bearing fruit is not always our first impulse in tough situations (i.e. conflict at home or in the work place, arguments, aggressive drivers, rudeness in society, or whatever else sets the stage for a bad day).
But with God’s help, we can be the bearers of fruit–share a smile with others, be patient when others lose their cool, and give the gift of love by being kind and compassionate.
Have you been in a challenging situation where it became difficult to share the fruit of the Spirit with others? Can you share what works for you to demonstrate kindness and compassion, even in frustrating situations?
Wishing you a blessed week, my friends.
*My last visit to this conference was several years ago. I jotted notes during Pastor Collier’s inspiring message. The three points I share above, I selected from my notes. The application is from my perspective and I chose scripture to support my application. Many thanks to Pastor Collier for sharing a message that has inspired me for several years.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” Proverbs 15:1.
This is what helps me when I’m tempted to verbally strike out or back. Of course, it only helps when I remember it. To bear good fruit, I must be reminded every day. Thank you for this sweet reminder post. I can truly say I needed it. Blessings on you and your good fruit💛.
Kristy, I’ve been working on the “gentle answer” response for years. I’m grateful our loving Father is with us to help on that quest. I’m so grateful He has been patient in my faltering steps to do better. Thank you for your kind encouragement. May God bless you in His service.
Prayer gives me comfort. I’m thankful to go to God in the good times and the bad times. Have a blessed week! 🙂
You go, Melissa! I love the way you expressed that truth. We are so blessed with our Father’s faithfulness–in all circumstances. Wishing you joy!
Proverbs 3:5-6 is my go-to verse. Blessings as you bear fruit, Katherine.
It’s one of mine, too, Diana. Thank you for sharing.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
when I was young I spent a year working in an apple orchard–climbing into trees to pick them and then sorting them by size for sale. So this post resonated with me! Thank you for sharing these insights!
I didn’t work in an apple orchard, but we raised tomatoes–no tree climbing but picking, washing, grading, sorting, and packing was all part of the process. Harvesting the blessings of our Father’s awesome creation. Thank you, Kathy.
Katherine, I’m glad God can still use me even as a piece of bruised fruit. Thanks for this inspiring message, and for the picture from Lake Junaluska. We have been there too, and it is a beautiful place!
I agree, Barbara. Sometimes I’m so bruised I don’t know if I’m any use to anyone for anything. I’m so glad our Father rescues us, binds our wounds, and walks with us as we recover. Then He appoints us to another task for Him. We are so blessed! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, my friend.
Remembering that only God can change hearts, not my arguments (2 Tim. 2).
Thank you for sharing, Debbie. That’s one I worked on all my life, but I still need reminding.
I’m thankful that God helps me do, and act, the way He wants. Thanks for sharing!
We are blessed by our loving Father’s guidance, aren’t we? Thanks for stopping by, Joni.
We used to live in Michigan and the apple orchards amazed me. They had so many varieties. Now, in Oklahoma, it’s not the same because of our warm weather. Your message really was wonderful and so spot in as I thought about the apple variety. We are like that too and I want to a good fruit bearer. Thanks Katherine
I love apples, although it’s hard to grow them in my area with the worms, deer, squirrels and various other menaces that attack the trees and the fruit. Thank you for your kind encouragement, Yvonne.