What’s Growing on Your Tree?

When Jesus walked the earth, He often used imagery that was simple yet profoundly revealing. One of those images was a tree. He said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). He wasn’t just talking about what we produce in terms of accomplishments, but rather what naturally flows out of who we are at our core.

That makes me pause and ask: what’s growing on my tree?

Like it or not, people notice the fruit in our lives. They see it, experience it, and form opinions about what we’re connected to. If our fruit is bitter or inconsistent, it points to something deeper going on. But when our lives show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, it lets others see that we’re rooted in Christ.

A Tree Can’t Fake Its Fruit

You can’t just attach apples to a dead tree and pretend it’s healthy. In the same way, we can’t fake the fruit of the Spirit. Eventually, our words, habits, and choices will show what’s really inside us.

That’s where reflection comes in. Ask yourself:

• When people encounter me, do they leave refreshed or drained?
• Do my conversations carry life or gossip?
• Do I walk in patience and grace, or do I default to irritation and pride?

These are not easy questions, but they are necessary if we are to live lives that glorify God.

What’s Beneath the Fruit

Fruit always comes from a deeper source. A tree in dry, rocky soil won’t produce the same harvest as one near fresh water. Our roots matter. What we take in each day through prayer, worship, Scripture, and even our thoughts shapes the kind of fruit we grow.

If you’re seeing bitterness, resentment, or anger in your relationships, maybe it’s time to check the soil. If fear and worry keep sprouting in your heart, perhaps the roots need to go deeper into God’s promises.

A Challenge for Us All

What story is your tree telling right now? Is it bearing fruit that points others to Christ, or is it producing thorns that keep people at a distance?

Here’s the good news: God is the master gardener. He prunes, waters, and cares for us so our lives can bear lasting fruit. But we need to let Him work in us and be open to letting go of what holds us back, so what’s left can grow.

Today, I challenge both you and me to take a closer look. Notice the fruit in your life and be honest about what you see. Then, ask God to work in you so that what grows from your tree truly reflects Him.

Because the world is watching. And more importantly, God is watching.

And the question remains: What’s growing on your tree?

Prayer

Father, I come to You asking for Your wisdom and grace to honestly examine the fruit in my life. Show me where I’ve been producing what doesn’t honor You, and help me root myself deeper in Your Word and Spirit. Prune away every branch that hinders my growth, and water the soil of my heart so that love, joy, peace, and all the fruit of the Spirit can grow abundantly. May my life be a testimony that points others back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

© FREE 2025 All Rights Reserved.