The spiritual life and growth of believers is likened to a fruit-bearing tree. As the fruit is evidence of the health and vigour of the tree, so the believer's life, attitudes and behaviour should reflect the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Believers should exhibit evidence of their conversion
James 3:13 See also Matthew 3:8 parallel Luke 3:8–9; Matthew 7:15–20, Matthew 12:33; John 15:16; Romans 7:4–5; Titus 3:14; James 2:14–26
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
The nature of spiritual fruit
Galatians 5:22–23 See also Romans 8:5–6; Philippians 1:9–11; James 3:17
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.
The sources of spiritual fruit
Acceptance of the gospel
Luke 8:15 parallels Matthew 13:23, Mark 4:20
But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop.
The old way of life put to death
John 12:24 See also Romans 6:6, Romans 6:11–14, Romans 8:13–14; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:5–10
Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Actively living a new life in Jesus Christ
Galatians 6:7–9 See also Romans 6:11–14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:8–9; Colossians 1:10, Colossians 3:12–15; 2 Timothy 2:22; 2 Peter 1:5–8; Titus 3:14; 1 John 3:18
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Remaining close to Jesus Christ
Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
Submission to God's discipline
Hebrews 12:10–11 See also John 15:1–2
Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.