I remember a lot of things about my grandparents. Some are deeply touching, while other memories bring a smile to my face or cause me to laugh. One thing I recall about Grandpa Rich is when he would help out in the kitchen. His job was to prepare fruit salad for our large family gatherings.

I don’t know that I ever ate any of the fruit salad my grandfather made. You see, I am not a fruit lover. I really don’t know why. It’s not like fruit makes me ill. Or that I completely dislike the taste of fruit. If I have to eat fruit, I will eat it. But when there are plenty of other choices, I’ll chose something else.

I’m not a fruit lover. Jesus, however, is all about fruit.

In John 15:1-17, Jesus dedicated an entire portion of teaching to fruit. In His teaching on the Vine and the Branches, Jesus mentioned nine times that we are to bear and produce fruit. Jesus also mentioned eleven times in this passage that the only way to do so is to remain in Him.

“If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5 – NIV) Only through Jesus can we bear fruit. And only through Jesus can we produce a great harvest of fruit and fruit that will last.

In another teaching segment, Jesus spoke again of fruit. He mentioned in Matthew 7:20 (NIV), that good and bad are recognized by their fruit. “By their fruit you will recognize them.” When we bear good fruit by remaining in Jesus, others will know that we belong to Jesus by our fruit.

So, what fruit are we to produce?

Fruit of Repentance

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8 – NIV)

Fruit of our Attitudes

“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 – NIV)

Fruit of the Light

“For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (Ephesians 5:9 – NIV)

Fruit of Righteousness

“This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11 – NIV)

Fruit of our Deeds

“And we pray this in order that you may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:10-12 – NIV)

Fruit of our Lips

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 – NIV)

Fruit of Wisdom

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 – NIV)

I may not like the fruit of this world, but I certainly love the fruit of God. My desire is to bear fruit so that others might see God through me. The only way for that to occur is when I remain in Jesus and allow God’s Spirit to do His powerful work in me.

I don’t have to be a gardener (good thing because I kill plants). I don’t have to be a botanist (good thing because I’m not good at science). I don’t have to like fruit (good thing because I don’t).

I simply must know Jesus and let Him do the work. My heart and my mind must be open to the change He desires within me. When that happens, a great harvest of fruit will be produced and others will see Jesus through me. They will know that I belong to Him.

Isn’t it exciting? It can be the same for you too. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, this is the perfect day to do so. The difference Jesus can make in your life is amazing. Why not accept Him today?

As a Christian, you know the difference Jesus has made in your life. But how is your fruit harvest coming along? If your fruit crop seems a little skimpy, get in touch with Jesus. Remember, if you remain in Him you WILL produce fruit.

I’m thankful for the fruit Jesus produces in me. I pray that you can say the same thing.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna