Flourishing in Fruit: Our Conduct is Our Fruit (Part 3)

Fruit of Generosity and Good Works

    So far in our ‘Flourishing in Fruit’ series, we have learned that God expects us to develop fruit (John 15:8, Matthew 12:33); He has provided all the knowledge, sustenance, and nourishment we need to do just that (read and think on Isaiah 5:1-4). We have learned that we need to be aware of what buds (or springs up) in our hearts/minds, being careful to identify and pluck out the bad thoughts so that they do not develop to fruit (words/action, Matthew 12: 34-35). From this we came to understand that our conduct is our fruit, it is the end result of our thoughts and intentions: our repentance of past sins will become obvious to others as we make changes and remove bad habits from our daily routines (Matthew 3:8, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11) and in the process of aligning ourselves with God and the Truth our righteousness will become evident to others (Philippians 1:9-11, and consider 1 Timothy 4:15, 3 John 3, 12).

    Now, let’s look at one more way our conduct is our fruit: good works. Paul referred to the generosity of the brethren as their “fruit” in both Romans 15:27-28 and Philippians 4:15-17. Doing good works are beneficial (Titus 3:8) and oftentimes visible to others, they are the end result of our heart’s intent and they are our fruit.

    Side note: We don’t do good just to be seen by others (Matthew 6:1-4), but to show others the goodness of God and give Him the glory (Matthew 5:16).

“And God is able to make every grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV)

    God blesses us abundantly (Psalm 68:19) so that we can generously give to others. It is always our hope that those who receive these good things will give glory to God and be thankful to Him for it (Matthew 5:16). Read and consider Matthew 25:34-46 and Romans 12:3-8. We all have differing abilities, but God gives us all ability to use them to do good: sometimes it may be the giving on our time (2 Corinthians 12:15a), giving the work of our hands (Dorcas, Acts 9:36-43, Proverbs 31:20), sharing of our goods (the brethren, Acts 4:32-37), or simply sharing God’s comfort to others in their troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When there is a need, think on what you can do to alleviate it.  

"And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful." (Titus 3:14 NKJV)

    Paul prays about this fruit as well, in Colossians 1:9-11, expressing his hope for its development and his desire that the brethren in Colossae may flourish in good things:

• That they may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (knowing the true value of God’s will and wisdom, v9)
• That they may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (practicing righteousness, v10)
• Being fruitful in every good work (v10)
• Increasing in the knowledge of God (v10)
• Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy (v11)

    What you do is your fruit. What are you doing?  

    Are you looking out only for yourself or do you love your neighbour as yourself; gladly sharing with them what God has blessed you with? Do you look for opportunities to do good (Galatians 6:9-10, 2 Thessalonians 3:13)? God does His part, are you doing your part? Do you bear the fruit of generosity and good works?

You can do it! So can I!!