What does it mean to bear fruit?
John the Baptist preaching repentance fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah. Many come to be baptized and then comes the religious leaders of the day. John warns them, "The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Matt 3:10
John refers to "good fruit" as part of repentance, but what does that mean? Paul writes, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Gal 5:16, 22,23
We can get caught up in good fruit just being good behaviors. Don't get me wrong when we walk in the Spirit behaviors are transformed, but notice the fruit, Bearing fruit is loving others, being joyful, being at peace, showing patience, offering kindness, displaying goodness, being faithful, extending gentleness, and SELF control. This will look different for each believer.
Let's look to the Father, walk in the Spirit, and observe the fruit of the Spirit in our own lives. This is bearing fruit in our repentance.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.