For the child of God, bearing fruit is an essential part of one’s spiritual growth in Christ Jesus. The Bible presents to us clearly that if one does not bear fruit, specifically good fruit then they are compared to the fig tree, which, will receive a curse and be cut down.
Bearing fruits symbolizes that you are connected to the true vine, the Lord, Jesus. Believers are called to be fruit trees of righteousness here on earth so they can inherit the tree of life in heaven. Journey with me as we explore 24 scriptures that amplify the importance of bearing fruit in our spiritual journey.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 – God wants us to constantly bear fruit
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah links trusting in the Lord to a good tree that is rooted near a constant supply of water and bears fruit all year round. This man is content even if there is a drought because he would have established himself during the time of plenty and as a result, he constantly bears fruit.
John 15:16 – Chosen to bear fruit
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
This verse carries a profound spiritual message about Jesus’ relationship with His followers. It highlights the significance of Jesus’ choice of disciples, their purpose in bearing lasting spiritual fruit, and the access they have to the Father through prayer.
A deep, connected relationship with Jesus leads to a life that bears precious fruits of the earth and allows for effective communication with God.
Matthew 3:8 – Repentance and bearing
‘Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.’
John the Baptist tells us that bearing fruit shows that we have repented. We should actively live a life that reflects our changed hearts and renewed commitment to God’s will. Genuine repentance is accompanied by a change in behavior and the manifestation of righteous fruit.
John 15:5 – Connection to the true vine
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Our knowledge of God is our source of bearing fruit. We cannot do anything outside of Jesus so if we are not studying our Bibles and feasting on Him then we will not be able to bear much fruit. The source of bearing fruit is staying connected to Jesus, the True Vine.
John 15:8 – Bearing fruit is the evidence of true discipleship
“By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
Christ Jesus is glorified when we bear fruit. We prove that we are true followers of Jesus when we are like the good tree that produces what the master expects from us. As disciples, we are seen as healthy trees which will make others become disciples of Christs Jesus.
Matthew 7:15 – Their fruits will tell if they are false prophets
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.”
Jesus tells His followers that they must look at the fruit of a person’s life to know if he truly represents God. A person may claim to follow Jesus, but he is like a tree that is diseased on the inside. They are inwardly poisoned and are intent on creating hurt and destruction to the body of Christ. Their fruits will reveal their character.
Galatians 5:22-23 – The evidence of a fruitful life
“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 apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, listing the characteristics that should manifest in the lives of believers. When we walk in the Spirit, these virtues grow in us and influence our interactions with others.
Matthew 13:22 – If the word is sown among thorns, it will not be fruitful
“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”
The thorns symbolize the cares, distractions, and entanglements of the world. If there is not a genuine and transformative encounter with the teachings of Jesus, believers will be unfruitful. They will become preoccupied with the world and show no growth or transformation in their lives.
Luke 8:15 – Good soil of the heart bears fruit with patience
“As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.”
The parable of the Sower teaches us that the condition of our hearts determines how we receive God’s Word. A heart receptive to the Word will bear fruit over time, requiring patience and endurance. The child of God should not only hear the message but also internalize it and allow it to become a good treasure of his heart and then shape his character and actions.
Luke 6:43 – You will produce what you have grown
“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,”
There is a connection between who we are internally and how we behave externally. To be called sons of God we must have genuine and consistent behaviors that align with our actions. If we do not possess the qualities of Christ, we cannot make a Christ-like impact on those around us.
Ephesians 5:11-12 – Avoid being a part of unfruitful works
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.”
The Apostle Paul warns the child of God to avoid corrupt trees, which can only produce works of darkness. He tells us that we should not even be seen speaking of their evil work but instead, we should expose their unfruitful lives.
John 15:2 – Abiding in Christ is necessary to keep bearing more fruits
“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
Just as a gardener prunes a fruitful vine, God sometimes allows trials and challenges in our lives to purify and refine us for greater fruitfulness. As believers, we need to continually examine our lives, seek to bear positive spiritual fruit, and trust in God’s work to shape and mature us on our journey of faith.
John 15:4 – Unity with Christ guarantees fruitfulness
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
Jesus illustrates the importance of staying connected to Him, the true vine, for fruitfulness. Our union with Christ through faith sustains and empowers our spiritual growth. This connection helps believers to draw spiritual nourishment, guidance, and strength from Him, leading to a life that bears spiritual fruit.
Hebrews 12:11 – Challenges build our fruit of righteousness
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
God’s work of making us fit for His kingdom may be difficult at times but it produces the fruits of righteousness in our lives, which transforms us to reflect His character. It does not come at once and so daily we are transformed to be more like Him.
Matthew 28:19-20 – The evidence of fruit-bearing is making disciples
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
The great commission is the ultimate evidence of fruit-bearing – make disciples in all areas of the world. Once we become disciples, we should impact the lives of others by teaching them about our Savior Jesus Christ’s love and commands.
John 15:6 – Not abiding will cause wilting and destruction
“If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”
Jesus highlights the vital importance of remaining in Christ for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. He also warns of the potential consequences of not being spiritually connected but we are also invited to deepen our relationship with Jesus for a fruitful life.
Colossians 1:10 – Increase in the knowledge of God
“So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
These words by the Apostle Paul encourage us to please God in all that we do and build up God’s Kingdom by committing to growing in our work for Him. When we actively study God’s word, our knowledge of God increases and so will our spiritual life.
Luke 13:9 – Consequences of not bearing fruit
“Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.”
A fruitful life is essential for the child of God. The Spirit of God will linger with the believer and prod him in the direction of fruitfulness. However, after several seasons without bearing any fruit like in the case of the fig tree, he will then be cut down.
Psalm 1:2-3 – Delighting in God’s law brings fruit
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
David knew that God’s word enables believers to be rooted like trees by a riverbank. This consistency allows us to bear fruit in due season and prosper in all aspects of life. When we delight in God’s law, we will behave in a manner worthy of the Lord and so fruit-bearing is inevitable.
Matthew 15:9 – Fruit bearers honor God with their hearts
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”
Jesus warns the early church leaders to be totally converted. He tells them that if the fruit of righteousness is not being born in them then they worship in vain. This passage serves as a reminder for believers to examine their own hearts and motives in their worship and for us to ensure that our actions are rooted in genuine love and devotion to Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:11 – Having the fruits of righteousness glorifies God
“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
The apostle Paul expresses his desire for believers to experience a life that is marked by the “fruits of righteousness.” When our life is transformed by Christ it will naturally produce the “fruits of righteousness.” These fruits are practical expressions of God’s work in us and this serves to honor and glorify Him.
Matthew 7:16-17 – By their fruits, they are recognized
“You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.”
Jesus continues His sermon on the mount by focusing on the importance of discernment and the connection between a person’s character and their actions. Our character and actions are an indication of the state of our hearts. A life rooted in Christ will produce good fruit, while a life disconnected from Him may bear corrupt fruit.
2 Corinthians 9:10 – Fruitfulness in generosity
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
Paul assures the Corinthians that just as they sow generously, God will multiply their resources and bless them with a bountiful spiritual harvest of righteousness. We too are reminded that when we align ourselves with God’s principles and purposes, He blesses our efforts, multiplies the results, and enables us to bear a rich harvest of righteousness through our acts of kindness and giving.
Colossians 4:2 – Persevering in prayer for fruitfulness
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Persistent prayer, combined with thanksgiving, plays a crucial role in cultivating fruitfulness in our lives and the lives of others. This commitment to prayer aligns with the biblical concept of fruitfulness by fostering the growth of spiritual virtues, deepening our dependence on God, promoting spiritual maturity, and cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
As we continue steadfastly in prayer, we create an environment where the fruit of the Spirit can flourish and bring glory to God.
James 3:17 – Godly wisdom leads to fruit-bearing
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
James suggests that godly wisdom leads to a transformed character, which develops qualities that are ripe for fruit-bearing. Believers are to cultivate heavenly wisdom and the resultant qualities of mercy, peace, and sincerity. These qualities, in turn, lead to actions and behaviors that bear good fruit in their lives and the lives of those around them.
Jeremiah 17:10 – Rewards according to the fruit of your deeds
“I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Jeremiah emphasizes that God’s judgment is not superficial but deeply rooted in His knowledge of our hearts, minds, and actions. As believers, we must be accountable for our choices. We must put off our sinful nature and the works of the flesh because we will ultimately be answerable to a just and all-knowing God.
Hebrews 10:26-31 – Fearful expectation of judgment
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.”
In this passage, we are cautioned against taking our faith lightly and continuing in deliberate sin after we have understood and accepted the teachings of God. Once we have received the light of God, we should no longer walk in the way of sinners and bear bad fruit. If we do not heed this warning, we will have the same fate that our adversaries will receive.
Mark 4:19 – Choked and unfruitful
“But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”
This scripture passage warns against allowing worldly difficulties to take priority over our spiritual journey. It is essential for the child of God to cultivate a heart and a mind that are receptive to the teachings of Jesus. When we do this, we will avoid becoming spiritually unfruitful as a result of distractions and misguided priorities.