Where’s the Fruit?

by Joyce Sykes
Published February 7, 2007

After arriving at a local grocery store, I cruised through the produce section looking at all the various types of fruits and vegetables. The majority of the items were nice and fresh; then suddenly the display of yellow squash came into view. I was amazed that the produce manager allowed these sad looking veggies to remain on the shelf. At one time, these bright yellow squash were appealing to the buyer, but now each item on display had shriveled and become dull and pitted. Most likely, even at home I would have thrown them away. I would never pay money for the condition of the squash.

This led me to think about how the fruit of a Christian walk appeals to those outside the Christian family. Is it bright enough to catch the eye and heart of someone who has never heard the words of our Lord Jesus before? Do we portray His love in a manner that draws them closer to His light? The Lord was the Master of Divine Love as He walked this earth. He looked upon those that were diseased and spoke healing into their life.

It is those whom society deems unfit for human companionship, like Matthew the tax collector that He calls to come and follow Him. Jesus did not look down on this reject as sub-human, but as one who had simply lost his way. This simple act of acceptance enabled Matthew to turn his entire life around. One Man looked at him with love and acceptance and saw who he could be. A man despised by his fellow Jews, became a follower of the Lord and his fruit once more became appealing to others. Matthew saw something different about Jesus. The Lord’s fruit of love, compassion and acceptance was visible and enticing.

Do our words portray love or hate in any given situation? Are we quick to give a cutting retort trying to wound another before they wound us? Do we tear others down with tirades of anger simply because we can not get our way? Can those around us see our Christian heritage when we are shopping, or dealing with uncomfortable situations?

Each of us must ask our self. What do others see in me? Does the light of my Savior show through at the grocery store? Does His compassion pour out onto those in less unfortunately situations, not just at this time at the holidays by year round? We see the angel trees in the malls, commercials of the Marines gathering toys, and the ever faithful bell ringer standing outside the stores. Yet the very people they endeavor to help are often in need in January, April and August. Does our fruit of reaching out to others in need extend out in those months as well?

Proverb 11:30 states that “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that is wise winneth souls.” Our fruit can be a tree of life to others. As we walk the walk and talk the talk as a follower of Jesus, we give hope to others. In many situations, we plant the seeds of faith that influence others of the love the Lord has for them. At other times, we are able to water those seeds planted by another.

The real question is: Are we willing to lay aside our own desires for the benefit of another? “Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit.” Matt 12:33. We are known by our fruit. Will we offer the bright colorful fresh fruit of a life filled with hope and love or one that is dull, withered and pitted. Truthfully, anyone given the choice will always chose the fresh bright fruit of love.

Today, may the display of the fruit of your heart catch the eye of a searching heart.

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