THE PROTOCOL OF FRUITFULNESS

06/15/2024

"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness breaks the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4).

God's Word draws a strong parallel between human beings and trees. From the outset of the Bible, trees were created to bear fruit and human fruitfulness has often been associated with childbearing. In Genesis 1:28, God instructed humanity to "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

However, human fruitfulness encompasses more than childbearing; it is multi-faceted. Genesis 1:27 reveals that God created humanity in His image: "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Understanding this image requires understanding its components. Scripture teaches that God is Spirit (John 4:24), Love (1 John 4:7), and that He is one with His Word (John 1:1). Thus, before the Fall, humanity was designed to reflect God's spirit, love, and oneness with His Word. This original design is restored through Christ Jesus, enabling believers to function as God's image on earth.

How does God bear fruit? He does so through His Word. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Thus, God's Word bore fruit in the form of Jesus Christ. Similarly, believers in Christ have a protocol for bearing fruit: like trees nourished by soil, water, and flowers, believers are equipped with a recreated spirit, agape love, and the Word of God.

Today's theme scripture, Proverbs 15:4, highlights the power of words: "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." A wholesome tongue is sanctified by God's Word and flows from a renewed heart. Jesus explained, "...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things" (Matthew 12:34-35). Thus, apart from childbearing, humans were designed to bear good fruit from the treasures of their hearts.

Let us now speak forth good fruits into existence, aligning our words with God's Word and experiencing His superlative blessings in our lives.

You are blessed in Jesus' name. Amen.

Faith-Filled Confession:

Today, I rejoice because I am a child of Almighty God. Nothing disturbs my peace because I am victorious and sound. I live the abundant life of God, overcoming every obstacle in my path because the Greater One dwells within me. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-13