Fruit Inspectors

Matthew 7:19-20

“Every tree (persons that bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit) that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”

Jesus is speaking on spiritual fruits given by the Holy Spirit to those who are saved. We can recognize true disciples by their fruit. The “fruit” here refers to the character and actions that flow from a heart that has been transformed by Jesus. These fruits are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–26). There is a criterion that Jesus gave on fruit inspections: first, don’t judge unless you want to be judged by the same standards. In Matthew 7:3, He says, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” This implies that we need to look at ourselves to see that we are doing in all categories before we judge someone else on their characteristics. 

If we HAVE to approach someone about their character, we need God to strengthen us to approach them humbly and privately and only for the purpose of restoring them.

Prayer:

Lord, we used to have a saying, “Sweep around your own doorstep,” which means before we criticize someone else, we need to take responsibility for our own faults, actions, and reactions. Only by Your grace and mercy do we dare to stand in Your presence, give us self-awareness first, before we become inspectors of others. In Your name Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!