Bearing Fruit

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:1-2, ESV)

What does it mean to bear fruit? Many Christians mistakenly think that, to bear fruit, they must bring others to Christ. Evangelism is important. We all need to be doing what we can to bring others to Christ. But evangelism is not fruit bearing. A new Christian is a new branch on the vine, not fruit on one of the branches. We ought to bring others to Christ, but, the Lord is not going to sever us from the vine for failing to bring others to Christ.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:22-24, ESV)

Fruit is seen in our lives as our lives are transformed into the image of Christ. As the ugly works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21) are replaced with the fruit of the Spirit, then we are fruitful branches. Such fruit bearing is not an optional extra for those Christians who desire it. Such fruit bearing is expected of all. Jesus is saying that those who are not producing such fruit will be pruned off of the vine. Even those who do produce such fruit will be further pruned so that they may produce more fruit.

For too long, too many Christians have sought salvation from the consequences of their sin, instead of truly seeking salvation from their sins. Too many Christians are content to be fruitless branches, church members but not really disciples.

Does that describe you? If so, do not despair. Repent, but do not despair. The Lord can transform us, if we are willing to be transformed and made fruitful. It is a painful, but glorious, process.