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Bearing Fruit
A fruit tree does not struggle to control itself in order to bring forth fruit. An apple tree does not strive to bear apples, or a pear tree to produce pears. No, it stands there still and quiet in the orchard. It spreads its branches and leaves to the warmth of the sunshine, the air and the rain. It digs its roots deep into the soil for the vital nourishment of food and water. Then, if it is a good tree, it bears fruit.
So it is with the Christian. If we are to bear fruit for God, we must dig our roots deep into the love of God, drinking in the nourishing water, air and sunshine of His Word in the power of His Spirit.
The Lord said to His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me” (John 15:4). This is how the believer can and will quietly bear fruit for God in His daily life. He wants us to produce “much fruit” (John 15:5). He said to His disciples, and it applies to us, “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16).
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