What Is Your Faith Producing?

Scripture: Matthew 7:16–20 NIV
“By their fruit you will recognize them.”

Jesus warns His listeners about false prophets. Their words and appearances may seem convincing, but the fruit of their lives will reveal more. His warning also gives us a reason to examine our own lives honestly: What is my faith producing?

Look at your choices, habits, attitudes, relationships, and responses. Where can you see good fruit? Perhaps you listen more patiently than you once did. Perhaps you have learned to apologize, to respond with kindness when frustrated, or to trust God in a situation you cannot control. Give thanks for that growth.

Then look at the places where you still need to grow. Is there a habit you keep excusing or a response that continues to hurt someone? We can acknowledge those things without pretending that change will happen overnight.

We also need to be mindful of why we want to change. Are we seeking good fruit because we think it will get us ahead in the world or make us look like faithful people? Faith in practice asks something deeper of us. It calls us to deny the desires of the flesh, surrender what is not pleasing to God, and choose what honors Him—even when no one else sees it and there is nothing to gain.

That kind of growth takes continual effort. As we develop our relationship with God, study His Word, and reflect on where we have been and where we are today, we can recognize both the good fruit and the areas that still need His care. We keep surrendering, keep choosing, and remain patient while He works with us to change.

Good fruit is nurtured over time. We will not be perfect, but we can be honest and willing. May the fruit others recognize in us grow from a sincere desire to please God.

Faith in Practice: Name one way you have grown and thank God for it. Then consider one change you want to make. Ask yourself honestly: Am I seeking this change to please God, or for what it might gain me?

Lord, thank You for the growth You have brought about in my life. Help me see my fruit honestly and surrender what is not pleasing to You. Search my motives as well as my actions. Give me patience while You work with me and the willingness to keep choosing what honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Leona