By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

- John 15:8

Bearing fruit is a two-handed blessing.

On the one hand, when you bear fruit, you glorify God.

On the other, when you bear fruit, you prove to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

John writes that bearing fruit is proof of gospel conversion.

Many of us wrestle with the sincerity and authenticity of our salvation. More often than not, I am asked, “Pastor Chris, how do I know that I am truly saved?”

I like to use John 15:8 logic when answering that question: Saved people bear fruit.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Notice in Galatians 5 and John 15, fruit is singular, not plural.

To one degree or another, he who is fruit-bearing bears all the above— not perfectly, but all are present.

Do you want to know if you are saved? Ask yourself, is there evidence in my life of joy? Peace? Kindness? Goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Do I desire these things? Do I strive for and run hard after these things?

Better yet, ask someone else. Ask your spouse. Ask your co-worker. Ask your next door neighbor. Ask, “Do you see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in me?”

I pray they say yes.

Your prayer today, “God, I want to bear as much fruit as possible so that I may glorify you in every way. Help me King Jesus.”

Press on,
Pastor Harp