Matthew 7-8, Psalm 84
Matthew 7:17-20 (NLT)
“A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.”
During the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:17–20, Jesus tells us that, like a tree, false prophets are known by their fruit, their actions and character. A Bible commentary I read noted that believers need to pay attention to the manner of living, the content of the teaching, and the effect of the teaching of anyone who claims to speak for the Lord.
Believers need to consider whether a person's actions, attitudes, and character are aligned with the Lord's will and the teachings and commandments found in the Bible. A person's actions should consistently reflect their identity in Christ. Although Jesus is specifically speaking about false prophets in these verses, the principle of examining the fruit of our lives can also be applied to every believer in Christ. Earlier in the chapter, Christ warned against judging other people without first examining ourselves.
When I read these verses, I am reminded that I need to constantly ask myself: Do I bear good fruit for the Lord? Do my actions and attitudes reflect my identity in Christ? Since I became born again, I find myself looking at people to see whether they reflect the Lord in their actions, especially if they've been born again for a long time. I look for role models to emulate in church. Who produces good fruit? Who reflects Father-God in their actions and behavior? And I ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit to help me discern what to incorporate into my own behavior so that I can bear good fruit for the Lord.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us in bearing good fruit for the Lord's glory—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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