The Fruit Reveals the Root | Tuesday
Devotional
Have you ever tried to make a lemon tree produce apples? Of course not—it’s impossible! A tree can only produce fruit according to its nature. Jesus uses this simple agricultural truth to teach us something profound about our spiritual lives.
We often focus on behavior modification—trying harder to be patient, kind, or loving. But Jesus points to something deeper: the condition of our hearts. The fruit of our lives—our words, actions, and attitudes—reveals what’s truly growing inside us.
This is both challenging and liberating. Challenging because we can’t fake genuine spiritual fruit. Liberating because it reminds us that transformation begins with a heart change, not just behavior change.
“A good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit. On the other hand, a bad tree doesn’t produce good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit.” This isn’t about perfection—we all struggle and fail. But it is about direction and desire. What kind of fruit is consistently showing up in your life?
The beautiful truth of the gospel is that God doesn’t just command us to produce better fruit—He offers to transform our very nature. He promises to give us new hearts that naturally produce the fruit of His Spirit. Our role is to remain connected to Him, the true vine, allowing His life to flow through us.
Bible Verse
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Reflection Question
What kind of fruit is most evident in your life right now, and what might that reveal about the condition of your heart?
Quote
The problem is not your effort in the Christian life. The problem is who you are. The problem is who I am.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise to transform me from the inside out. Forgive me for times I’ve focused only on changing my behavior without addressing my heart. I invite Your Spirit to continue the work of renewal within me. Help me to stay connected to You so that the fruit of Your Spirit flows naturally from my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.