Scripture Focus: John 15:5–8
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (ESV)
Let’s Talk About Fruit
If you’ve spent any time in Christian circles, you’ve probably heard the phrase “bear fruit.” But let’s be honest—what does that even mean when we’re just trying to make it through Monday with laundry piled high and dinner unplanned?
Good news: Jesus wasn’t talking about perfection or performance. He was talking about connection.
What Is Fruit, Anyway?
When Jesus talks about bearing fruit, He’s describing the visible results of a heart that’s rooted in Him. The kind of life that overflows with the goodness of God—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
In short, fruit is the evidence that Jesus is working in us and through us. It’s the evidence of time spent seeking to know His Word. Others “see” this transformation because we begin to live His Word.
And here’s the best part: we don’t produce fruit by trying harder. We produce fruit by staying close to the Source. This happens almost automatically as we read and study the Bible, prayerfully asking God to transform us.
A Proverbs 31 Woman Bears Fruit
Sometimes we look at the Proverbs 31 woman and feel a little… overwhelmed, right?
But what if we stopped seeing her as a woman of endless hustle and started seeing her as a woman of deep abiding?
Her strength, wisdom, kindness, and diligence? All fruit. Not from striving, but from a heart connected to God.
Here’s how fruit might show up in your life:
- Offering kindness when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
- Showing patience with your family (even when you’re tired, they’ve been inconsiderate, or you feel overlooked).
- Choosing joy in a less-than-joyful season. Joy is not a feeling, it’s an internal strength that comes from knowing the promises of God.
- Speaking wisdom to a friend who needs encouragement.
These are Spirit-grown things. Every day things. And they’re beautiful.
Fruit Grows Naturally from Abiding
Have you ever seen an apple tree straining to push out apples? Of course not. It just stays rooted and draws life from the soil. The fruit comes in time.
That’s the secret: you don’t have to force the fruit.
You just have to stay connected to Jesus.
And yes—some seasons are slower than others. Some days feel more fruitful than others. That’s okay. Abiding isn’t about immediate results; it’s about long-term growth.
My Little Reminder (A Story)
There was a day in my early days learning to know, live, and share God’s Word, when I had been spending time in prayer each day, reading my Bible, studying the text, and applying what I was learning. I was in a sweet season of being “in love with Jesus.”
Our three sons were still quite young, it was a lovely spring day, and I was planting flowers while they played on their tricycles and such. Then my husband came home.
When he got out of the car, the words that I had been pressing down all day spilled out in firehose fashion. I felt like a total failure on all sides!
Earlier in the day, I found our trash can overturned – again- in the back yard. Diapers, kitchen trash, and all of the gross things a family with three little boys under the age of five can pack into trash cans were scattered all over the backyard.
I had allowed my mind to meditate on my frustration and overwhelm instead of the words I had read in my quiet time that morning.
It wasn’t one of my finer moments.
Once the neighbors stopped looking at us and I calmed down a bit, I realized what had happened.
My desire to be a Proverbs 31 Woman in all her perfection in one day was unrealistic. I needed more time, more grace, and forgiveness. Mike was gracious, and my time with Jesus was sweet.
Abiding in Christ is not only “to remain, dwell, stay, or continue”, it also means returning.
Returning to God’s Word to heal, find comfort, and what is needed for all circumstances we face.
That day, I was pruned a little. My attempts at Bible reading and a devotional checklist do me little good if I’m unwilling to do the hard part of putting into practice the truth I glean from God’s Word.
Abiding means returning to our source of strength.
Abiding in the Word of God means I’m still connected, even when I feel like a dried-up branch.
The fruit will come. The Vine is faithful. I only need to remain in Him.
One last thing: I have a quote I like to use with my ministry team at church.
“Blessed are the flexible, for they are not easily broken off.”
Abiding in Christ, in His Word, means we are willing to be flexible and allow Him to lead our lives, and to produce fruit that is pleasing to Him.
Your Turn: Have you ever planned to be a “good person” for Jesus, attempted to do all the right things, only to blow it, like I did?
How did you return to a heart of peace with Jesus and His Word?
Reflect & Respond
- Read John 15:5-8 and Galatians 5:22–23.
- Journal this: Which fruit of the Spirit is most present in my life right now? Which one do I want to grow?
- Ask God to deepen your connection to Him—and trust that fruit will follow.
- In the comments: Share one “fruit” you’ve seen God grow in you lately.
