Theirs and your fruit

  Theirs and your fruit

The apostle Paul writes,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control....” Galatians 5:22,23a

Above are listed what the apostle Paul stated were true Christian fruits. If we look at a person who claims to be a Christian we should see these fruits.

This should be doubly so for our religious and political leaders.

As believers in Christ Jesus we should be looking to see if those we follow are exhibiting 

 love, joy, peace, 

patience, kindness, 

goodness, 

faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control

Question; Do you and the people you support exhibit these qualities?

Please think about it.

The fruits of a Christian

The fruits of a Christian

Jesus said,

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  

Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-20.

Here is something I think Christians here in North America seemingly forget about. Many calling themselves Christians follow false prophets. Men and women who sound religious. Who spout scripture but take it out of context in order to deceive people. 

A true believer in Christ Jesus exhibits good fruit. The apostle Paul defining what good fruit is. Writing,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control...." Galatians 5:22, 23b.

As Christians we should be following men and women of God who exhibit these qualities. 

So the question becomes are the pastors, evangelist and other church leaders you are following truly exhibiting, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?

Are you personally exhibiting these qualities?

Please think about it.

Transformation

  Transformation

In the book of Romans the apostle Paul writes,

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1,2.

If we truly accept Jesus into our lives a transformation begins. The speed of the transformation varies in each individual. However be it slow or quick a true believer in Christ will change. They will begin to exhibit what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit,

“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.  Galatians 5:22,23.

Exhibiting such fruits will become second nature to them. This I believe is one way you can tell a true Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus.

When people look at your life what do they see?

Please think about it.

Do people see Christ in you?

Do people see Christ in you?
John’s gospel records this prayer of Jesus,
“My prayer is not for them alone. (Christ’s Apostles) I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20,21.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus here’s something to consider. Jesus prayed for you. Look at the scripture above Jesus is quoted as saying,
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one,... ”
Jesus when he prayed was looking to the future. To all those who would believe in him through the words of the apostles. He prayed that all believers would be one. That, is you if you are a believer in Christ Jesus.
Jesus gives a reason for his prayer saying,
“...Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” 
Question does the world around you see Christ Jesus in you?
Francis of Assisi wrote,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                        Francis of Assisi.

We as followers in Christ Jesus, should be preaching the Good news of Christ Jesus, at all times, in word and deed. The quote Francis again,

“Preach the Gospel at all times, 

and when necessary, use words.” 

                                          Francis of Assisi.

Are you preaching the gospel of Christ at all times?
Do people know you are a follower of Christ Jesus without you telling them or preaching a sermon?
If you are a follower of Christ Jesus people should know you are his follower without you saying a word.
Your life should at all times exhibit what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit. Paul writing,

“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.” 

                                              Galatians 5:22,23.

Are these fruits evident in your life?
Please think about it.