Got Fruit?

Got Fruit?         

There is a verse that says Mt 7:20, "So then, you will know them by their fruits."  This verse may not have been as confusing to others as it was to me, but the Holy Spirit has revealed the truth and answered some questions I have wrestled with for years.  Some things appear obvious, but until it becomes a personal revelation, the verse is never genuinely rooted in us.  The word for "know" in Greek is epiginosko, which means; to recognize or become thoroughly acquainted with.  The name for "fruit" in Greek is karpos.  It means literally or figuratively fruit.  It is the same word that Jesus uses in His other teachings.    I used to look at people who said or did something I know is incorrect, and I was confused because of their ministry's or personal life's success.  The fruit is not someone's success, fame, or financial gain.  You cannot know someone by their exterior conditions or public work.  Like the old saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover." When He says, "You will know them by their fruits," I believe that's the fruits of the Spirit.  Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.  Once you take some time to get to know someone,  the truth always will surface.  Lu 6:45, "For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."  Eventually, their real plan will reveal itself.  Let's use love as an example without going through all of them.  (1Jo 4:20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?)  You cannot have hatred for your fellow man and have a love for God in your heart.    (John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one's life for his friends.)  If there is hatred for another in anyone's heart, it will come out during a simple conversation.  Hatred, bitterness, envy, and unforgiveness are all contrary to the Spirit.  We will all make mistakes.  Temper flares, inappropriate comments, or judgmental statements, but that doesn't mean you aren't a Christian.  If you harbor unforgiveness and hatred for someone, do some soul-searching.  Fruit doesn't force its way into existence.  It grows effortlessly because of its root system.  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will not produce alone.  The scripture says in (Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind).  The renewing of the mind comes by the watering of the Word.  Fast, pray, study, and allow the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out.

Be blessed and be BOLD,
Pastor Charlie