Fruit is the Proof of Discipleship

John 15:8, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."

The Lord is teaching us that the Heavenly Father is honored and exalted when we bear much fruit, and He is also saying that the fruit we bear is evidence that we are His disciples. In other words, because we are in Christ, He produces something in us that causes others to worship and reverently acknowledge the Father. All of this is the work of our Lord and it is nothing that we have done on our own. We cannot even take the credit for obeying Him because we are able to obey only because of His grace!

When we disobey God's commands, we are at the same time rejecting His grace. On the other hand, when we do what He commands, He calls us friends. (See John 15:14.) When we obey, we bear fruit and the fruit is proof that we follow Jesus.

Galatians 5:22 tells us that the same fruit Jesus speaks about in the vineyard is the inward character that the Lord develops in us as we abide in Him through life's circumstances. This character includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

God is glorified as the fruit is made evident through good works. Works done in obedience to the Lord with a good attitude makes Christ known on earth and gives Him honor and glory.

Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

So, then, we realize that fruit and good works relate closely to each other, and that the Lord is glorified when His children walk in these ways.

Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Lord, my desire is to draw so close to You that Your character will be seen in me. Allow me to walk with you in such a manner that others would give You the glory for all good works they see. Help me to grasp your grace and not let go. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

Have a great week!