Bearing and producing fruit are two terms that are commonly used in the Christian faith. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Bearing fruit refers to the process of displaying the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, while producing fruit is the act of actively working to produce more fruit.
Both are essential components of a Christian’s walk with God. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between bearing and producing fruit, the significance of these concepts, and how to cultivate the fruit God desires.
Understanding the Concept of Bearing Fruit
Bearing fruit is the process of displaying the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. According to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As Christians, it is important to bear fruit because it is a sign of our relationship with God. When we bear fruit, we show the world that we are followers of Christ.
How do we bear forth fruits?
I am the true Vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:1–5)
The process of bearing fruit is a continuous one. It requires us to stay connected to God, the true vine, and allow Him to work in and through us. The more we submit to God, the more fruit we will bear.
Understanding the Concept of Producing Fruit
Producing fruit is the act of actively working to produce more fruit. In Matthew 7:16-20 and Luke 13:6-9, Jesus used the analogy of a tree to explain the importance of producing fruit. Just as a tree is expected to produce fruit, so too are Christians expected to produce fruit.
How do we produce fruits as Christians?
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
Producing fruit involves actively working towards spiritual growth and maturity. This can be done through prayer, evangelism, bible study, fellowshiping with other believers, and serving others. The more we actively work to produce fruit, the more we will grow in our relationship with God.
The Difference Between Bearing Fruit and Producing Fruit
While bearing fruit and producing fruit are closely related, there is a difference between the two. Bearing fruit is the result of abiding in Christ and allowing Him to work in and through us. Producing fruit, on the other hand, is the act of actively working to produce more fruit.
Biblical examples of bearing fruit include the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Examples of producing fruit can be seen in the parables of the Talents and the Sower and the Seed, where Jesus teaches about the importance of using our God-given gifts and talents and spreading the Gospel.
The Fruit God Wants Us to Produce
God desires us to produce the fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are all important components of a Christian’s walk with God. Cultivating these fruits in our lives is essential to our spiritual growth and maturity.
To cultivate the fruit God desires, we must stay connected to Him through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. We must also actively work to develop these fruits in our lives by serving others and spreading the Gospel.
Bearing Fruit for the Kingdom of God
As believers, our purpose is to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. This means allowing God to work in and through us to bring others to Him. Bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God involves using our God-given gifts and talents to serve others and share the Gospel with them.
To bear fruit for the Kingdom of God, we must stay connected to God and allow Him to work in and through us. We must also actively look for opportunities to serve others and share the Gospel with them.
Hindrances to Fruit Bearing
Despite our desire to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God, there are hindrances that can prevent us from doing so. One major hindrance is sin. Sin can hinder our relationship with God and prevent us from bearing fruit. Therefore, it is important to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness so that we can stay connected to God and bear fruit.
Another hindrance to fruit bearing is complacency. When we become complacent in our faith, we may become stagnant and fail to grow spiritually. This can hinder our ability to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. To avoid complacency, we must actively work to develop our relationship with God and seek opportunities to serve others.
Ways to Bear and Produce Good Fruits
Bearing and producing good fruits are essential aspects of a believer’s spiritual journey. Here, we explore practical ways to nurture these aspects for spiritual growth and effective Christian living.
1. Nurturing and Pruning: Cultivating Fruitfulness
Regularly spending time in prayer, studying the Word, and seeking intimacy with God cultivates a fertile ground for fruitfulness (John 15:7).
In cultivating fruitfulness, one of the key aspects is to develop and maintain a vibrant relationship with God. This involves actively engaging in practices that nurture our connection with Him.
What should we do?
We should learn to cultivate a vibrant relationship with God through prayer, studying the Word, and seeking intimacy with Him.
Why is it so important?
When we cultivate a relationship with God, it creates a fertile ground for fruitfulness, enabling us to experience spiritual growth and bear the fruit of the Spirit.
How can we achieve this?
- Through Consistent Prayer: Setting aside dedicated time to communicate with God, sharing our joys, concerns, and desires, and listening for His guidance and direction.Example: Just as Jesus went to the mountains to pray and spent nights in prayer (Luke 6:12), we can find a quiet place where we can pour out our hearts to God.
- Studying of the Word: Devoting time to read, meditate, and study the Scriptures, seeking to understand God’s teachings, principles, and promises.Example: Like the Berean Jews who examined the Scriptures daily to verify the truth (Acts 17:11), we can approach the Word with a desire to gain wisdom and insights for our lives.
- Seeking Intimacy with God: Developing a deep, personal relationship with God through worship, praise, and seeking His presence.Example: Just as David delighted in God’s presence and sought after Him with all his heart (Psalm 27:4), we can engage in heartfelt worship and seek to encounter God’s presence.
By consistently cultivating a vibrant relationship with God through prayer, studying the Word, and seeking intimacy with Him, we create a fertile ground within ourselves for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
2. Discerning God’s Will
Understanding and aligning ourselves with God’s will is foundational for bearing fruit in accordance with His purpose. Here’s a practical guide to discerning and aligning with God’s will.
What should we do?
Seek God’s guidance and align actions with His purpose.
Why is it so important?
It’s crucial for bearing fruit that aligns with God’s plans and brings Him glory.
How can we achieve this?
- Seeking God’s Guidance: Actively involve God in decision-making through prayer and meditation (Example: 1 Kings 3:9).
- Aligning Our Actions with His Purpose: Evaluate motives, desires, and actions to ensure alignment with God’s Word (Example: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
By seeking God’s guidance and aligning our actions with His purpose, we position ourselves to bear fruit that is not only impactful but also in harmony with His divine plans.
3. Be Accountable and Willing to Lead Others
Engaging in accountable relationships and discipleship opportunities remains pivotal for our growth and fruitfulness as believers.
What should we do?
Actively participate in accountable relationships and discipleship opportunities.
Why is it so important?
These engagements foster growth, learning, and fruitfulness within a supportive community.
How can we achieve this?
- Accountable Relationships: Surround yourself with trustworthy individuals who hold you accountable (Example: 2 Timothy 1:6-7).
- Discipleship Opportunities: Engage in discipleship programs, Bible studies, or mentorship relationships (Example: Matthew 28:19-20).
By actively participating in accountable relationships and discipleship opportunities, we contribute to creating a supportive community that not only aids in our individual growth but also collectively bears fruit for God’s kingdom.
4. Lay Aside Any Weight
In our journey towards fruitfulness, embracing the pruning process is vital. God, as the Master Gardener, prunes our lives, removing hindrances and shaping us for greater effectiveness in bearing and producing fruit.
What should we do? Embrace pruning for greater effectiveness in bearing and producing fruit.
Why is it so important? Pruning removes hindrances, shapes our character, and enhances our overall fruitfulness.
How can we achieve this?
- Removing Hindrances: Allow God to identify and remove anything hindering growth and fruitfulness (Example: Matthew 16:21-23).
- Shaping Our Character: Recognize that through pruning, God refines and shapes our character (Example: 1 Peter 1:7).
Hebrews 12:1 encourages us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Embracing God’s pruning process positions us for greater effectiveness in bearing and producing fruit for His glory.
Seasons of Fruitfulness
Divine timing is consistently impeccable, always unfolding in the most optimal and timely manner. Recognizing that the journey of fruitfulness is sculpted within various seasons is a pivotal insight for our spiritual odyssey. Let’s delve into profound revelations that aid in deciphering and gracefully navigating these distinct seasons of fruitfulness.
The Nature of Seasons: These encompass personal growth, outreach and harvest, and preparation.
The Why: Understanding these diverse seasons positions us harmoniously within the cadence of God’s timing and aligns us with His overarching purposes.
Where They Unfold: These seasons intricately weave through the fabric of our lives, echo within our ministries, and reverberate in the tapestry of our relationships.
When God Unveils: Each season, orchestrated by God, unveils itself in His perfect timing, revealing His intricate plan for different junctures.
How They Unfold:
- Seasons of Personal Growth: Analogous to the dormancy of fruit trees before the bloom of fruit, believers may experience rest, reflection, and personal growth. Much like Joseph’s preparatory season before leadership elevation (Genesis 37-41), God guides us through these times to equip and prepare us for a deeper, more profound fruitfulness.
- Seasons of Outreach and Harvest: In certain junctures, God beckons us to focus on producing fruit, reaching out, and harvesting the spiritual seeds sown. Drawing inspiration from the disciples commissioned by Jesus to proclaim and heal (Luke 9:1-2), these seasons call for active participation in advancing His kingdom.
- Seasons of Preparation: Essential groundwork, self-preparation, and seeking God’s guidance characterize these critical phases. This involves acquiring knowledge, honing skills, and deepening our relationship with God. Mirroring Moses’ forty years in the wilderness before leading the Israelites (Exodus 2:11-3:10), these preparatory seasons shape and equip us for God’s unique purposes.
Embracing these diverse seasons not only enriches our spiritual journey but aligns us with the rhythmic and purposeful orchestration of God’s timing. It underscores the profound truth that each season, whether visible in its fruit or shrouded in preparation, is a crucial part of our faithful adherence to God’s divine lead.
Abiding in the True Vine
Recognizing and embracing these different seasons allows us to align ourselves with God’s timing and purposes. It helps us understand that not every season is about producing visible fruit, but rather about growth, preparation, and obediently following God’s lead.
Abiding in the True Vine is not just a mere concept but a profound practice that deeply influences our spiritual journey. It goes beyond a casual acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as the True Vine; it’s about being rooted in Him, deriving sustenance for our spiritual vitality and finding empowerment to bear fruit that brings glory to God.
This practice unfolds within the core of our existence – in our hearts, minds, and everyday lives. It’s not a sporadic or occasional endeavor; instead, it’s a continuous, unceasing commitment. Maintaining our connection with Jesus becomes a rhythm of life, a constant flow that shapes our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
So, how do we embody this practice?
- Sustaining Spiritual Vitality: The essence lies in staying intimately connected to Jesus through faith, prayer, and complete dependence on Him. It mirrors the very essence of Jesus’ teaching, emphasizing the significance of abiding in Him for a life marked by fruitfulness (John 15:5).
- Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Our union with Christ isn’t stagnant but dynamic, allowing the Holy Spirit to actively empower us. This empowerment is transformative, leading to the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Reflecting on the early disciples who received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we find inspiration – their bold proclamation of the Gospel became possible through reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength (Acts 2:1-4).
In essence, abiding in the True Vine, Jesus Christ, isn’t a static state but a dynamic and transformative journey. It’s a continuous flow of connection, sustaining our spiritual vitality and empowering us to bear fruit that resonates with the very heart of God.
Conclusion
Bearing fruit is the process of displaying the fruit of the Spirit in our lives while producing fruit is the act of actively working to produce more fruit. Both are important, and we must cultivate both in our lives to grow in our relationship with God and bear fruit for the Kingdom.
To cultivate the fruit God desires, we must stay connected to Him through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. We must also actively work to develop these fruits in our lives by serving others and sharing the Gospel. By doing so, we can fulfill our purpose as believers and bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.