Bear Good Fruit

John the Baptist calls out the Pharisees and Sadducees for not bearing good fruit,

foreshadowing Jesus’s talk on the vine and branches. Both use trees and plants as

analogies for our works of faith. Both share the same dire warning for those that don’t

bear good fruit.

John The Baptist said,

“Bear fruit that befits repentance… Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Jesus said,

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned.”

When I hear someone say they need to find themselves or their purpose in life, I want to

jump on a couch like Tom Cruise and say, “Your purpose is to discern and cultivate the

gifts and talents God has uniquely gifted you, and give those to others in loving service!

Go bear good fruit!”

You were made to be a gift. This is where you will find deep, sustained joy, even amidst

evil and suffering.

Let’s Pray – Father of Grace and Mercy. You designed us to be gifts of self, each with a unique set of gifts and talents. Help inspire us to bear good fruit in you – our faith working in love. Amen.