| Series | Trees |
|---|---|
| Theme | 2. The trees of the field - O la'au o le fanua |
| Colour | Lanu Pa’epa’e |
Scripture Focus: Mataio 7:16-20
By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
- Matthew 7:16-20 (WEB)
Study:
This passage from Matthew presents a powerful analogy using trees and their fruits as a metaphor for people and their actions or character. Jesus teaches that just as a good tree naturally produces good fruit and a corrupt tree produces bad fruit, so too people reveal their true nature by the actions they produce. Goodness cannot come from a corrupt source, and evil actions cannot come from a good heart. The fruit here symbolizes the visible outcomes of a person's heart and life. This teaching encourages discernment — recognizing genuine faith and character by the evidence they bear.
Application:
In our daily lives, this passage calls us to self-examination and awareness of the company we keep. Are the actions we produce reflecting a good and faithful heart? Do we surround ourselves with others whose lives bear the fruits of kindness, integrity, and love? It reminds believers to cultivate a life rooted in God's word and Spirit so that our 'fruits' may glorify God. At the same time, it encourages us to be cautious in judging others but also wise in recognizing authentic faith and godliness.
Reflection Questions:
- What kind of 'fruit' does my life currently reflect?
- Are there areas in my heart that need God’s cleansing to produce better fruit?
- How can I cultivate a deeper relationship with God to bear good fruit?
- How do I discern the true character of someone by their actions?
- What steps can I take to encourage others in bearing good fruit?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to examine my life and heart honestly. May I bear the good fruit that reflects your love, grace, and holiness. Cleanse me from anything that corrupts, and root me deeply in your Spirit so that my life may glorify you. Teach me to discern rightly the fruits I see in others, and give me wisdom to encourage and walk with those seeking good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tags: Bible study, Christian living, fruit of the Spirit, Matthew 7, good fruit, discernment, faith, character, spiritual growth