“No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” 1 Corinthians 15:10
Living this Christian life might seem overwhelming when you think about everything that is expected of you. Being called to bear fruit can feel like a weighty assignment coupled with a sense of urgency. As dedicated as you may be, you’re going to need that extra help to bring those seeds to fruition.
In chapter 15 of the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul recounts his journey through ministry. He began as an enemy to the faith who aggressively persecuted believers. Then, after his own personal encounter in which the Lord revealed Himself, Paul began his ministry spreading the message of the gospel. Reflecting on all he was able to accomplish, Paul takes a moment to acknowledge that it was not solely him at work, but the grace of God. Essentially, this grace is responsible for developing and producing fruit since the time of his repentance.
As believers, we do not need to put pressure on ourselves to do everything God has called us to do on our own. The beauty of bearing fruit is that God works His grace in and around us as we work towards the harvest. Like Paul references, the grace worked with him. That means, it was the grace which enabled him to make strides and it is the grace that will ultimately help us bear fruit too. In other words, though we work towards the harvest, we do not need to work for grace. Grace will be granted to us because we simply cannot do without it.
Moreover, the nature of grace is that it works inwardly and outwardly. We are set up to be fruitful in our own personal walks and, as we lead others to the faith. Grace working within us will cultivate all segments of the fruit of the Spirit, and grace working outwardly will result in our effective ministering of the gospel. When we rely on grace to work through us, we know not to credit ourselves with the successes we experience in furthering the kingdom. Rather, we constantly acknowledge God’s grace as our source which keeps us going.
Reflection
What are the effects of God’s grace in your life and ministry?
Prayer
Father God, thank You for the grace you’ve given me and thank You because I know that this grace is not without effect. I embrace my call to bear fruit knowing You have given me the grace to do so. In Jesus name, Amen.
Written by Deborah Nimoh
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