I’ve heard that Christians can measure their growth by the fruit in their lives. Galatians says, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV). It makes sense that, if we’re keeping in step with the Spirit, that is, turning away from the desires of the flesh to follow the Spirit, we would find evidence of it. What we call “fruit.”

As I was reading John today, I came across this verse.

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

John 15:8 (NIV)

When I read this, I realized that we sometimes overthink about the fruit we bear and measure it as “progress” in Christ. As if the fruit that we deliver is dependent on us. The things we do, etc. Fruits of the Spirit. However, the fruit in our lives comes from God and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in us. It would be like the rose that expounds upon the beauty of its flowers and says, “Look at how amazing I am! Look at all of my beauty!” Not recognizing it was the soil it was planted in, the water that gave it life, and the oxygen and sun that fed it. All from God that allowed it to bloom in splendiferous beauty.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes the seed that was planted and how it grows. Of the seed planted, only the seed planted in good soil produces a worthy crop.

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

Matthew 13:8 (NIV)

In our consideration of the crop yield, thirty, sixty, or a hundred times what was sown, we forget about the seed (the word of God) and the soil that made the seed grow.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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