"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another" John 15:16-17.

The purpose of a fruit tree is to bear fruit. No one plants an apple, pear, grapefruit, or orange tree to provide shade. We expect that, in due time, fruits trees will mature and bear fruit.

We have been chosen to bear lasting fruit. Galatians 3:22-23 details that lasting fruit: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” The fruit list begins with love, which is exactly what Jesus says should be manifested: “This I command you, that you love one another." This is primarily a love of doing more than sentiment.

As spiritual fruit-bearers, we are invited to “ask of the Father in My name” that “He may give to you.” His promise lends itself to this question: Father, what would you give me in Jesus’ name that I might bear more fruit? A key answer would certainly be others to disciple. Apple trees produce apples, orange trees produce oranges, and disciples produce additional disciples (2 Timothy 2:2). If we are to bear fruit that will last, surely we will be placed in partnership with someone(s) whom Spirit fruit can be reproduced within.

Fruit-bearing is a by-product of proper nutrition. Jesus says in John 15:4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” Fruit is borne through vital connection to Jesus, the true vine.

It is not for us this day is not to roll up our sleeves and try harder, but rather to be in step with the fruit-bearing direction our Savior leads us through the Spirit. We are not called to initiate, but rather to participate. As such, may this be a rich, fruit-bearing day for the King and the kingdom.

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