Daily Devotional - Terms of Agreement - WK5 - 2/1/25 - Day 32 - "A Tree and Its Fruit"

Author: Elder Jay Wells

"A Tree and Its Fruit"
 Scripture: Luke 6:43-45 (NIV)

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

Devotion:
As we close one week, and begin another, lets reflect on what fruit we are bearing in our lives. Jesus often used simple, everyday examples to convey deep spiritual truths. In this passage, He compares people to trees, teaching that what we produce in our words and actions reflects the condition of our hearts. This truth challenges us to evaluate our lives and ask, “What kind of fruit am I bearing?”

In Luke 6, Jesus delivers a series of teachings often referred to as the “Sermon on the Plain.” He challenges His listeners to embrace a life marked by love, forgiveness, and generosity. In verses 43-45, He highlights that our outward actions are a direct result of what is happening inside us. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, we are known by the attitudes and intentions that flow from our hearts.

Just a couple of thoughts to bring it home.

1. The source determines the fruit: A tree can only produce fruit consistent with its nature. Similarly, the condition of our hearts determines whether our actions and words reflect goodness or sin.
2. The Heart is the Wellspring of Life: Jesus teaches that what fills our hearts will eventually overflow in our speech and actions. If our hearts are filled with love, kindness, and the Word of God, our lives will naturally reflect those qualities.
3. Transformation Begins Within: If we want to bear good fruit, we must allow God to transform our hearts through His Spirit. This requires us to surrender, repent, and commit to an ongoing relationship with Him.

Closing this week of reflection, I want to challenge you to do the following:

1. Examine Your Fruit: Take an honest look at your words and actions. Are they reflecting the character of Christ? If not, ask God to reveal any areas of your heart that need healing or change.
2. Store Good Things in Your Heart: Fill your heart with God’s truth by spending time in His Word, prayer, and worship. The more you dwell on what is good and pure, the more your life will reflect His goodness.
3. Guard Your Heart: Be mindful of what you allow to influence your thoughts and attitudes. Choose to focus only on things that draw you closer to God and encourage spiritual growth. Are there patterns in your speech or behavior that reveal areas where your heart needs God’s refining work? Ask yourself, “What am I storing in my heart? Is it leading to good fruit or bad fruit? Remember, change starts from within when we invite God to do transforming work. The fruit of your life reveals the condition of your heart. Let God transform you so that your words and actions reflect His love and grace.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the reminder that my words and actions flow from the condition of my heart. Help me to store up what is good by drawing closer to You each day. Reveal any areas of my heart that need cleansing and transformation. May my life bear fruit that glorifies You and points others to Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.