The Meaning of the Phrase “Bearing Fruit”
The phrase “bearing fruit” is used in the Bible to describe the growth of something that is divinely planted. The phrase is used in many different contexts and can refer to any type of progress or development resulting from a period of growth or investment. In the Bible, the phrase is used to collectively refer to all of God’s good works that produce a harvest in their own way.
In the Bible, “bearing fruit” is used in many different ways. It can refer to the tangible, literal fruits of God’s works, such as good crops, or a bountiful harvest. It can also refer to the intangible fruits of God’s works, such as spiritual growth and development, increased faith and holiness, or a closer relationship with God. Ultimately, “bearing fruit” is meant to refer to the growth, development, and harvest of something divinely planted, regardless of whether it is tangible or intangible.
Significance of “Bearing Fruit”
Throughout the Bible, the phrase “bearing fruit” is used to refer to the progress of something divinely planted. In this way, the phrase carries with it an intrinsic sense of value, importance, and significance. For example, when Jesus says in John 15:5 that “apart from me you can do nothing” he is referring to the idea that only through Him can any of God’s works truly bear fruit.
This idea of the intrinsic value of bearing fruit is further seen in the Parable of the Sower, in which Jesus compares those who spread the message of the gospel to those who plant seeds. In the parable, Jesus explains that some plants will spring up quickly and easily while others will struggle and require more effort to bear fruit. Jesus explains that those who work hard and persevere will ultimately bring forth the best fruit in the end.
Scriptural Examples of Bearing Fruit
One of the clearest examples of the phrase “bearing fruit” can be seen in the Parable of the Talents. In the parable, a man entrusts 3 of his servants with different amounts of money and commands them to use the money to gain more money for him. The parable is meant to illustrate the importance of bearing fruit in our lives. One of the servants is given 5 talents and is able to gain 5 more, while another servant is given 2 talents and is able to gain 2 more. Ultimately, both servants are rewarded for bearing fruit as intended by their master.
The same idea of bearing fruit is also seen in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, in which a father of two sons allowed the younger son to leave and waste the money given to him. The prodigal son returns home after a period of wasteful living and is welcomed back by the father. This parable is meant to illustrate the power of bearing fruit that has been given to us by God.
Characteristics of Bearing Fruit in the Bible
The Bible states that in order for something divinely planted to bear fruit, certain characteristics must be present. Firstly, faith is one of the main prerequisites in order to bear fruit. Without faith, no amount of work or effort can bring forth the desirable fruit. Secondly, persistence and hard work are necessary, as anything that bears fruit must consistently be tended to and should not be neglected.
Lastly, bearing fruit in the Bible has an element of sacrifice to it, indicating that in order for something to truly bear fruit, one must give up something in return for it. This could mean sacrificing time, energy, or resources in order to reap the eventual rewards of bearing fruit. All these characteristics highlight the importance of bearing fruit as intended and getting the most out of anything divinely planted.
Modern Application of Bearing Fruit
The idea of bearing fruit is also applicable to modern life. While the concept of bearing fruit still largely revolves around the idea of something divinely planted, it can also be applied to other areas of life such as relationships and career growth. In relationships, bearing fruit can refer to the cultivation of a strong relationship through the use of faith, persistence, and sacrifice. Similarly, in a career context, bearing fruit can refer to the success and progress achieved by constant hard work, self-development and staying true to one’s values.
The idea of bearing fruit is ultimately meant to emphasize the importance of growth, development, and progress over time. Whether it’s physical growth or spiritual growth, the idea of bearing fruit is meant to emphasize the spiritual growth that comes with investing in something divinely planted.
The Value of Bearing Fruit
The phrase “bearing fruit” carries with it an intrinsic sense of value in the Bible. Bearing fruit is seen as a sign of progress and development, and is often used to refer to the spiritual growth that can come with investing in something divinely planted. Bearing fruit is also seen as a sign of perseverance, as it requires hard work and commitment in order to produce the desired results.
In addition, bearing fruit carries with it an element of sacrifice and humility, as one must give up something in order to reap the eventual rewards of bearing fruit. Bearing fruit ultimately demonstrates the power of God’s works and the importance of investing time, energy, and resources in something that has been divinely planted.
The Blessing of Bearing Fruit
In the Bible, bearing fruit is often seen as a sign of God’s blessings. When God’s people bear fruit, it is seen as a direct result of God’s grace and mercy. In Joshua 24:13 it says “I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.” In this verse, the Israelites are being blessed by God for bearing fruit in their lives.
The same concept of the blessing of bearing fruit is also seen in the Parable of the Talents. In the parable, the servants who demonstrate diligence and effective management of their talents are rewarded for bearing fruit. The same concept applies to modern life as well; when one invests in something and works hard, one is often blessed for bearing fruit.
Testing the Fruit
The Bible also discusses the idea of testing the fruit in order to determine its quality or validity. In Matthew 7:16-18 it says “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” This passage is meant to illustrate the importance of testing the fruit to ensure that it is of good quality and not contaminated.
The same concept can be applied to modern life as well. When we are presented with an opportunity or investment we should take the time to examine and test it before jumping into it. This means considering what is at stake, researching the company or investment, and seeking counsel from friends or mentors who have similar experience. Ultimately, testing the fruit is an essential part of bearing fruit in our lives.
Consequence of Not Bearing Fruit
While bearing fruit is often seen as a sign of progress and development, not bearing fruit can have consequences as well. In the Parable of the Talents, the servant who neglected his talent was cast into the darkness and the talent was taken away from him. This parable serves to illustrate the importance of bearing fruit in our lives and the consequences of not doing so.
In modern life, the consequences of not bearing fruit can be seen in many different areas. In a career setting, failing to bear fruit can mean getting passed up for promotions, losing out on opportunities, or even losing your job. In relationships, not bearing fruit can mean the end of a relationship or strained interactions. In all these cases, the consequence for not bearing fruit is missing out on the rewards and blessings that come along with it.
Lessons of Bearing Fruit
Ultimately, the phrase “bearing fruit” carries with it many lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of faith and persistence in order to reach one’s goals. Secondly, it emphasizes the value of humility and sacrifice, as one must give up something in order to reap the fruits of their labor. Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of testing the fruit before investing in it, as it can have serious consequences if done blindly.
By understanding and applying these lessons, we can more clearly identify when something is divinely planted and be able to make an informed decision regarding whether to invest in it. In the end, bearing fruit is the demonstration and the result of investing in something divinely planted and should be viewed as an opportunity to reap the rewards of hard work and dedication.
