Day 162
As we continue to look at the fruit of our lives, we examine Matthew 7:18: "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." The word "cannot" is a universal negative. This means that Jesus is plainly stating something that just will not happen; a good tree does not produce evil fruit. This verse provides guidance for introspection as well as looking at those around you that attempt to influence your life. I once had a man try to give me advice on raising my children when he had destroyed the relationship with his own children by the way he treated them. This makes good sense doesn't it? If someone has a really messed up life, is that the person you want giving you advice? Do you want stock tips from someone who is flat broke or from someone who has been successful? Jesus is giving us some very practical truth in this verse.
The People's New Testament Commentary explains the verse as follows: "The Lord points to the uniform law of nature. Every tree bears after its kind. As is the tree, so is the fruit. The same principle holds good in the moral world. A good man will show forth good deeds, while a bad man will bear fruit according to his nature." Jesus is explaining a truth necessary in our day and age. While Jesus wants us to pray about our situations; He also wants you to look at the fruit of yourself and others to know what type of tree you are dealing with.
The verse today should cause us to seriously look at what our lives are producing. Are we producing Christian character and the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace and long suffering) or are our lives producing the opposite of these traits? Those that we listen to, what are the fruits of their lives. Some may complain that we are judging. No; we are not judging, we are only looking at fruit and applying this law of nature. Jesus told us this truth for our protection. So, what type of fruit tree are you?
The People's New Testament Commentary explains the verse as follows: "The Lord points to the uniform law of nature. Every tree bears after its kind. As is the tree, so is the fruit. The same principle holds good in the moral world. A good man will show forth good deeds, while a bad man will bear fruit according to his nature." Jesus is explaining a truth necessary in our day and age. While Jesus wants us to pray about our situations; He also wants you to look at the fruit of yourself and others to know what type of tree you are dealing with.
The verse today should cause us to seriously look at what our lives are producing. Are we producing Christian character and the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace and long suffering) or are our lives producing the opposite of these traits? Those that we listen to, what are the fruits of their lives. Some may complain that we are judging. No; we are not judging, we are only looking at fruit and applying this law of nature. Jesus told us this truth for our protection. So, what type of fruit tree are you?
