Fruit

What does a fruitful life actually look like to God? Jesus said we glorify the Father by bearing much fruit—and even an apple orchard shows how patiently it grows.

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

More than 7,500 varieties of apples are grown throughout the world. Over 2,500 varieties are grown in the United States alone, where they have been grown since the first apple trees were planted by the Pilgrims in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Apples have proven to be a productive crop, important to the diet of millions of people. But not all apple trees are equally fruitful. As those who grow apples can attest, abundance is a byproduct of wise investments in good soil and providing consistent nurture and stewardship. Patience is required, for even in ideal conditions, it can take 3–10 years for apple trees to produce their first fruit.

Standard apple trees can grow 30 feet high and live up to 100 years. Apples harvested from an average tree can fill 10–20 boxes that weigh about 45 pounds each, and individual apples have been known to weigh as much as four pounds.

These images help us understand the importance of fruit in God’s Kingdom. By bearing much fruit, we please God and bring Him glory. Spiritual fruitfulness is displayed by our lives — our attitudes and actions, our faithfulness to God’s call, the impact we make, how we’ve invested our time, talents, and treasures.

Take inventory of your resources. Are you investing them wisely? Make a commitment to bring glory to your Heavenly Father. Seek to produce lasting spiritual fruit.

Reflection Question: What investments have you made that are bearing spiritual fruit?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “vine and branches” picture behind John 15:8?

In John 15 Jesus calls Himself the true vine and believers the branches; fruit comes only by “abiding”—staying vitally connected to Him. Apart from that dependence, He says, “you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

What kind of “fruit” does the Bible mean?

It includes Christlike character—the “fruit of the Spirit” such as love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22–23)—along with good works and lives influenced for God. It is the visible outcome of an inward, Spirit-empowered life.