FRUIT is the sweet and fleshy structure of the plant that can be eaten. It is part of the tree that is capable to reproduce. A tree can only last longer if it has ability to regenerate. This property of regeneration is dependent on potential of the tree to bear fruit.
As christian is it important that we bear fruit because it is requested from us.
John 15:1-2 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Jesus as the true vine and the father God the vine dresser is demanding from us that we bear fruit. Every christian is a branch in this vine and it is important that the branch bears fruit for it not to be cut away.
Why is it necessary to bear fruit?
Many may be asking why it is important that we bear fruit as christian.
1.) Regeneration: God's work needs to continue. The first task Jesus did when He began His ministry on earth was that He chose the twelve that will work with Him. The work is complex so more hands are needed for continuation. For this reason, Christ had to make disciples. It is therefore important that we make more disciples for Christ. Let us preach the word on daily basis.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
2.) Demands: It is what God requested from us that we produce fruit. As stated earlier, every branch that does not bear fruit will be cut away. This passage made us known that as branch or part of the body of Christ we must bear fruit.
And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
Then if we say we bear fruit, what kind of fruit do we bear?
It is expected that we bear a good fruit that carries life. Everywhere we go, we show the fruit of Christ in us. The the already has the potential to produce fruit, but the it is the branch of the tree that we will carry the fruit. So in all our endeavor let us show the fruit that will a carry.
Do not be shy if you are called Apostle, Pastor, Evangelist, ect. because of your behavior. Remember that the disciples were also given names which we are now been called till today.
Act 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
HOW DO WE KNOW THAT WE BEAR FRUIT?
The characteristics of the fruit of the spirit tell if truly a christian bears fruit. Apostle Paul gave a detailed characteristics of the fruit of the spirit.
Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
LOVE
To love is to set aside one’s own preferences, desires, and sometimes even needs to put the other person first. If indeed we love we must bear with one another and rejoice with one another.
1 Cor, 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up
PEACE
Apostle Paul enjoined us that we make peace wherever we go.
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord
KINDNESS
The characteristics of “kindness” and “goodness” are closely related. Together they present the picture of one who not only possesses moral goodness and integrity, but also generously expresses it in the way they act toward others.
FAITHFULNESS
SOURCE
To be “faithful” is to be reliable or trustworthy. As christian our ways must be pure before God. WE must be faithful in all things as 99% is not accepted before God.
2 Thess. 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure.
Let us make sure that we bear fruit, as our life span as branch depends on our ability to bear fruit.
Do not forget that it is only the fruit bearing branch that remains in the vine forever
Thanks for your time