Bearing Good Fruit

I have tried over the years to make sure my children have the keys to success but sometimes my way of parenting hasn't had the impact on them as I wanted.

However, some have and this makes me want to keep going. So when I came across this little devotional, it not only was encouragement for me in the area of parenting but in living life in general.

This helps me put one foot in front of another in hopes things will not continue to be same but change will come when I least expect it.

God Bless.

Bearing Good Fruit

Have you taken a good thoughtful look at well-behaved children? They are polite, helpful and respectful- a great joy to be around. Ever wondered how they turned out like that? I’m sure it’s not overnight that these children are born (don’t you wish?). Their outstanding behavior and attitude are the fruit of years of discipline. It all reflects on their parents. When it comes to God, we know that He is the source of all good and there can be no evil in Him. John writes, whoever does evil has not seen God (3 John 1:11).

When we come to Christ and are filled with the Spirit, we are like trees that are known by the fruit we bear. If we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, we glorify our Father. People may not accept our beliefs but will realize that our fruit are the results of abiding in our Father (John 15:5). As we experience our Father and dwell in Him, evil will be distant memories.

As Christians, we need to continually strive to maintain peace, do good works and spread love because, in doing so, we spread the fragrance of Jesus all around. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:17,18). Let our lives be such that the world is drawn to the hope and the light that is in us. When we live exemplary lives, and are an example to those around us, we can become powerful witnesses for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer Father, cause me to be a tree bearing good fruit. May my life shine for Your glory that people may be attracted to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Author Unknown