Week 32 Devotion – “Bearing Fruit”

Week 32 Devotion – “Bearing Fruit”

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” John 15:16

By now, it is safe to say we’ve spent a considerable amount of time working on ourselves in this year of “Building for Better”. We set aside time for consecration and discovery, dedicated ourselves to development, and now we’re ready to be deployed. Next up – going out into the world to bear fruit.

In John 15, after spending time closely following the life of their Leader, the disciples are given the charge to bear fruit. Sitting under the feet of Jesus as He taught, healed, provided and loved gave the twelve enough preparation to be deployed even in His absence. They were to continue to carry out the work of Jesus throughout all the world – by specifically bearing fruit that would last.

The term “to bear” can be understood as “to carry or to bring.” For fruit to manifest, its seed must be planted and its roots must be nurtured. Bearing fruit then, is dependent upon thoroughly cultivating seed and actively nurturing it with what it needs to grow. As disciples of God, we’re constantly engaged in a process of growth which will allow us to bear what is expected of us.

Moreover, bearing fruit is a mark of maturity in the walk of the believer. It indicates that we have prioritized the instructions of Jesus, and that we have given ourselves over to this mandate which produces noticeable evidence. No longer are we relying on the Sunday services, the pastor or the worship team to get us going. Nor are we waiting to “go to church”  because we realize that we are the church. Instead, we have fully committed to sharing the gospel that transforms lives. We have made ourselves available to meet the needs of others. And, we can witness the signs, miracles and wonders that are performed through us even as souls are won. The fruit that appears is a product of our maturation and that maturation has been occurring throughout 2021.

So, if you have the tendency to make it all about how you are going to get your goals crossed off your checklist, consider whether your goals have been tied to the commission of bearing fruit. Everything you’ve been carrying up to this point is for the purpose of bearing what you’ve been called to. You’ve been labouring through the preceding seasons long enough. Now is the time to deliver.

Reflection: In what ways am I bearing fruit? Am I bearing fruit that lasts? 

Prayer: Father God, I thank You for bringing me into this ninth month of the year. Lord, I know that this month is a turning point and one of breakthrough and manifestation. Lord, may this season be fruitful according to Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Written by Deborah Nimoh