The Tree Life Chose Meಮಾದರಿ

Day 1 - Bear Fruit
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever they do prosper. Psalm 1:3

Have you ever stopped to wonder why trees produce fruit? It is definitely not for the benefit of the tree! A tree does not consume its own fruit. The whole purpose of a tree is to benefit others whether its people, animals, or the environment around it. This simple truth holds deep meaning for us as followers of Christ. In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by messages that ask, “Why should I help someone, what’s in it for me?” or “How does this serve my goals?.” We are constantly focused on our interests and goals but God’s Word teaches us to think differently. The Christian life is not about living just for ourselves. It is about bearing fruit to help others and bringing glory to God. As it is natural for a healthy tree to bear fruit, so too, a life rooted in Jesus Christ will naturally produce spiritual fruit. There is a story in the Bible where Jesus was hungry and He saw a fig tree with no fruit, and He cursed it because it was not doing what it was supposed to do (Mark 11:12–14). In the same way, if we say we follow Jesus, our lives should show it. How we act, speak, and love others should be the proof of our faith.

The fruit does not appear overnight. For a tree to bear fruit, it must first be rooted in good soil, wait for the season of growth and then it finally bears fruit. In the same way, our lives must be rooted in Jesus Christ first. Without Him, we will not grow or produce anything that will last long. You become spiritually rooted when you spend time in prayer, study the Word of God, and walk in fellowship with other believers. Our spiritual growth happens when we go through seasons of various challenges in life. That is the indicator for a believer that the fruit is being produced. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us of what this fruit looks like: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These are not just nice-to-have traits we can learn or adapt; they are the spiritual qualities cultivated by the Holy Spirit working in and through us. And lastly, just like a tree, we bear fruit so others can be nourished, refreshed, and encouraged. Your kindness will help someone. Your patience can save a relationship from being destroyed. Your faithfulness will grow healthy relationships. Your joy might bring hope to someone in despair. So do not live just to build your own success; live to glorify God, and serve others. Let your life be like a fruitful tree: deeply rooted in Christ, growing through every season, and producing fruit that brings life to those around you.

Reflection: Is my life bearing fruit that blesses others, or am I only focused on myself?

Prayer: Lord, help me stay rooted in You. Help me to grow and cultivate the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life. I want to love, serve, and bless others for Your glory. Amen.