Tuesday 17 July, 2018

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

A very well known saying is that “actions speak louder than words”. Whilst our words are powerful, this passage gives us clear teaching into the importance of our actions and bearing fruit. In verse 16, it says that the fruit we bear is determined by how we act. Verse 20 says that we can “identify people by their actions”. This scripture focuses our attention on our outward appearance, which as followers of Christ, must reflect our inward faith in Jesus.

As I think about this for myself today, I am reminded that people identify me, by my actions. Are my actions producing fruit that glorify, honour and point people toward God? What are people seeing in the way I choose to live my life?

Lord God, thank You that teach us how to live. Please help me today to be aware of my actions, and produce fruit that brings people closer to You. In Jesus’ name.

Written by Laura Samperi