It’s The Fruit
Luke 6:43-45 NKJ
43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
In this sixth chapter of Luke, Jesus is revealing a wealth of wisdom. And not just any wisdom. This is radical wisdom, particularly for the religious thinking of His day.
Jesus defines who the blessed are and who are in trouble. He redefines how to treat enemies and those who hate, curse, and spitefully use you. This is the famous turn the other cheek passage that has confused Christians for years. Some have taken it to mean you can never defend yourself. But Jesus was not speaking of enemies doing you harm, but rather of the people you are in relationship with. Turning the other cheek does not pertain to a person who breaks into your home with the intent to harm. And in the event that just rankles your theology, why would Jesus instruct His disciples to buy a sword if they did not have one, see Luke 22:36. Jesus was speaking of sending His disciples into the world after His ascension into heaven. Jesus talks of not judging or condemning. He offers some great wisdom on fixing yourself before you try to fix someone else. And He tells how to know good ministries, churches, and people. A tree is known by its fruit.
A good tree does not bear bad fruit, and a bad tree does not bear good fruit. At face value, this sounds so simple, but it truly is a way to gauge what kind of person or organization you are dealing with. People used to come up to me and complain about other churches. They don’t do that as much anymore. It may be that my response is not warm. Churches and ministries may differ in style and assignment. What God has equipped and called them to do is not my business. My question is, what kind of fruit are they bearing? If it’s good fruit, then they are a good ministry or church. If there are problems and toxic situations where people are being taken advantage of or hurt, then we are talking bad fruit. Always keep in mind that no one is perfect, and there are no perfect churches, ministries, or people. But we can pay attention to the fruit produced.
Jesus also offers insight into how good and bad fruit is produced in people. It all starts in the heart. If what is in the heart is good and healthy, then chances are the fruit of their lives will be good and healthy. Conversely, when the heart is off, the fruit is not good. And then Jesus connects the heart to the mouth to the fruit produced. Good words from the good deposit in a person’s heart will produce good fruit. We simply cannot separate our words from the fruit produced in our lives. And Jesus indicates that it is what is in our hearts in abundance that produces the fruit. What is in us in abundance will come out of us. I know people who speak well around certain others, but behind the scenes, it's a different story. Similar to the people who cuss profoundly until they discover that I am a pastor. When they sheepishly declare that that’s not the way they normally talk, I smile. But I can’t say I believe them.
Application
Look at the fruit of someone’s life, especially if you are entering any kind of relationship with them, either business or personal. They may spin a good story, but it’s fruityou are looking for. And look at the words we speak on a regular basis. If they are negative and filled with uncertainty and skepticism, we may want to do some serious soul-searching. That’s not the kind of fruit we want to produce as disciples of the Lord Jesus. But always remember that what is in our hearts can be displaced. Putting in more of God’s Word will begin to displace the negative deposits that may have been there for years. God’s Word is that powerful. And the more of His word in us, the better our chances of bearing good fruit.
Prayer
Lord, I want to bear good fruit so that You may be glorified in my life.