Scripture Reading
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Devotional Reflection
Over the past few days, we’ve been moving deeper into the heart of the spiritual life.
We’ve learned to remain present.
To receive peace.
To abide in Christ.
And now, Jesus turns our attention outward.
Because what is happening within us will eventually become visible.
Not all at once.
Not perfectly.
But over time.
And today, Christ gives us a simple way to understand that process.
Fruit doesn’t lie.
It reveals what is happening beneath the surface.
A healthy tree produces good fruit.
A struggling tree produces something different.
In the same way, our lives begin to reflect what we are rooted in.
If we are abiding in Christ, His life begins to show through us.
Not instantly—
but steadily.
This is not a call to judgment.
It is a call to awareness.
What is growing in our lives?
• In our words…
• In our reactions…
• In our relationships…
Is there more patience?
More kindness?
More humility?
Or is something else taking root?
Fruit takes time.
But it always tells the truth.
Today, don’t focus only on the fruit.
Focus on the root.
• Return to Christ.
• Remain in Him.
• Stay connected.
Because when the root is healthy, good fruit will follow.
We don’t need to force growth.
We need to remain where life flows.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
You see what is growing in my life, even when I do not fully recognize it.
Search my heart and reveal what is taking root within me.
Where there is good fruit, strengthen it.
Where there is dryness or disorder, begin to restore it.
Help me not to focus only on outward change,
but to remain deeply rooted in You.
Teach me to abide faithfully,
to return to You daily,
and to trust that transformation comes from Your life within me.
Let Your Spirit shape my thoughts, my words, and my actions.
And over time, let my life bear fruit that reflects Your goodness—
patience, kindness, humility, and love.
And may that fruit point not to me,
but to You, the true source of all life.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.