Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:15-16 HCSB
The term “fruit” is often used in the Bible as a metaphor for Christian living. We’ve been talking about the fruit of the Spirit this week. Today, I want to talk about the last three components mentioned in Galatians 5:22. These are faith, gentleness, and self-control.
Fruit is easily recognizable. For example, you wouldn’t confuse an apple for a banana. You can easily distinguish between a pineapple and a lemon. Fruits have different tastes and textures. So, even blindfolded, you could distinguish between fruits.
We will all be recognized by our fruit. As our pastor often says, “We may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” If someone were to inspect your fruit, what would they find? Would they see faith? Would they see someone who does not fear because they know God is in control? Would they see someone who remains steady in the storm?
If you wanted to be like someone else, would you want to be that person who is constantly anxious and worried, or would you rather be calm in the midst of a storm? You can’t be fearful and faithful. Are you producing a fruit of faith?
Do others see gentleness in you? Even when someone is wrong do you correct them in gentleness? If not, is it pride that causes you to not use gentleness? Is it a lack of patience? We discussed this yesterday. Patience is a component of the fruit of the Spirit.
If it’s pride, be very careful. Pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Jesus was never prideful. He was gentle even in the midst of suffering.
Gentleness is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. It is not only encouraged, but in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” Our gentleness will be greatly rewarded in heaven.
Let’s be honest, there are times when we lack faith and fear takes over. In these times, we must turn to God before we panic. There are also times when we don’t feel like being gentle. We may lack patience and be angered by something someone has said and done. This is when self-control comes into play.
God gave us a spirit, not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). God has equipped us with the self-control needed to control our anger. He has given us the ability to do away with our pride. If not, He will humble us Himself. He has given us the ability to resist temptation. We must surrender to Him and trust in Him.
People will be inspecting our fruit. They will be looking at how we conduct ourselves. What will they see? Will they see faith, gentleness, self-control, love, joy, peace, and patience?
Likewise, we must test the Spirits. If the evangelist is criticized, does He respond with gentleness and self-control? Does he exhibit love, joy, peace, and patience? Do his words and his actions line up with what is in the Bible?
The role of the Christian is unique in that we are called to be soldiers and are equipped for battle in Ephesians 6:10-18. But even when we correct others, we are called to do it with gentleness. We must fight against biblical untruths. We must stand up against false teachers. We must be fruit inspectors.
We must also stand up to the inspection of others. If you feel that you won’t pass inspection, pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in an everlasting way.”
If you are not as faithful, gentle, or disciplined as you should be, that’s okay. God can help you get there. Study your Bible and pray continually for Him to lead you and guide you. With His help, your fruit will pass inspection with flying colors.
Have a great day!