Truth

If you've never heard of Greg Laurie, well let me introduce you to him. He's a well-known pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside California. He is also an author / blogger with a heart for God and a passion for leading people to live a life in Christ.

In following Greg's blog he offers several in depth thoughts about how God moves among nations and individual lives alike. But, it was this simple devotion on bearing fruit of God that caught my attention. I have heard this phrase all my life, but his thoughts helped me understand the concept a little bit better.

I hope you enjoy his thoughts, as well:

"But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Matthew 13:23

The concept of bearing fruit is used often in Scripture. In the Gospels, Jesus told the story of a sower who went out to sow seed. The seed fell on various types of ground. Some of the ground was rocky and hard. Other ground was receptive, but weeds choked out the seed. But there was a portion of ground that was not rocky or weedy, and the seed took root. Jesus said that this was a picture of the different people who hear the gospel. Those who are true believers are those who bring forth fruit.

Refer to Luke 8: 4-15 The Parable Of The Sower

What is bearing fruit? Essentially, it is becoming like Jesus. Spiritual fruit will show itself in our lives as a change in our character and outlook. As we spend time with Jesus and get to know Him better, His thoughts will become our thoughts. His purpose will become our purpose. We will become like Jesus.

The Bible gives an excellent description a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5: 22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

God is not asking for a perfect life. But He is asking that these fruits be primary characteristics of a life that is lived for Him.

May God see these "fruits" in your life as a testimony to God's love, guidance and wisdom. Thank you, Greg, for your thoughts and encouraging words as we seek to live a life like Jesus. 

For another story of encouragement, CLICK HERE!

HT Jesus.org

Featured Image Credit: Facebook