Each year, my family and I grow a small garden in our backyard. It is fun to plant, take care of, and watch grow, especially with the kids. But we don’t grow this garden just for fun. We also want actual fruit to enjoy. The same is true for God. In John 15, we learn God is growing a garden. This garden, He has been so careful and watchful over, is His Church. Not the building you go to on Sunday mornings, but you and me; those who believe in His Son as Lord and Savior. John 15:5 says:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 ESV)
After all the care God is investing in His Church, you better believe, like any good gardener, He is looking for fruit. God wants us to be fruitful. So, what does that look like? Well, our fruit is not just knowing about Jesus but actually knowing Him personally. Our fruit is not just reading God’s Word but actually doing what it says. Our fruit is not just thinking of love as this great concept or cute cliché that we like to throw around. Our fruit is actually laying our lives down and being the love we so highly esteem. Today, I want to encourage you to not only look fruitful but to be fruitful.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for planting me in Your truth and love and allowing me to be a part of Your perfect plan. I pray You make it clear to me the fruit You desire of me and the power to produce it. In Jesus Christ Name I pray, Amen.