Produce

"You will know them by their fruits.

Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?"

"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit."

"Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs?
Nor can salt water produce fresh."

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Is this possible? Can we have the audacity to look at those around us and watch for what fruit comes from their lives?

We can all instantly think of someone who produces good fruit. They give of themselves, speak kindness, are welcoming and compassionate. But what about those that don't exhibit these qualities?

We are to be aware, to know, them by observing their behavior and what comes from their life. Does strife, conflict and gossip follow them? Are they defensive, even attacking those that question their motives? This is, most obviously, not good fruit. And what are we supposed to do when we see bad fruit in someone? Is it appropriate to warn our families or friends? Or are we all lone rangers, every man for himself? Dare we think that if someone is not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, then they do not have the Spirit within them? Perhaps going to the person to talk to them would be in order, but even sometimes this is not possible or welcomed.

We cannot just look at others and point our finger claiming bad fruit, now can we? We must, most certainly, take a hard, long look at what is produced from our own actions. Are we helping, giving, loving in a way that adds depth and value to our relationships? Am I just blindly going along reacting to life instead of taking opportunities to respond in love and kindness, spreading the joy and hope that lives within me?

So many questions with no answers, I'm afraid. Questions worthy of consideration and meditation, to be sure.