Daily devotional, November 04, 2024
Mango Tree
Sweet and crunchy was how people mostly describe the fruit of the Mango Tree in his backyard. He planted it with his own hands, and saw it grow into that massive, lush, and fruitful tree. He grew it in such a way that every person who tasted its fruit, wanted more of it, even asking for its pit so that they could grow one in their own homes too.
As followers of Jesus, we are encouraged to bear good fruits as manifested by how we relate to others. These include love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, goodness, faithfulness, and joy (Galatians 5:22-23). While it is a tall order to consistently manifest such virtues, St. Paul the Apostle says, it is not at all impossible that we get to have these bearings since we are a child of God.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
When we outwardly show these character traits to other people, we get to show them that we have the Holy Spirit with us. That we are one with the Lord, and that we are His followers.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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 15:4-5
In addition, bearing these fruits of godly traits should not be the result of other people’s attitude towards us. Rather it ought to be a reflection of the love and mercy we received from God. When we are assured that we are loved and forgiven, we will overflow with thankfulness that we would like to pay it forward. It is at this point that we bear fruits of good character.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18
Likewise, we are taught by our Messiah to exhibit these wonderful attributes regardless of how other people treat us. Yes, even if they are mean to us we are being called to exhibit goodness, be peaceful and loving, and of course, be able to control ourselves. Jesus Himself modeled this for us countless times when He came to earth and became one with us.
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:35-36
And while it is hard to bear fruits of the spirit when people are mean to us, Jesus invites us to tap on His power so that we could extend extra grace to others, especially when they do not deserve it.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Apart from following God’s command of loving one another, bearing these commendable traits encourage others to put their faith in Jesus. It is a silent way of proclaiming the gospel, because for this fallen world, people are bound to find it weird when we are impossibly kind, painfully loving, outstandingly gentle, amazingly faithful, and extraordinarily patient. They will wonder where we get the ability to be joyful amidst the difficult circumstances in our lives. They will be astonished how we are able to control ourselves in the face of meanness. They would be curious enough to ask how we could have peace amidst the chaos.
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15
And so if we are like most who are not yet very confident to share the gospel to others, let us take up the challenge to proclaim the Good News of Salvation without using words. Let us proclaim it by exhibiting these qualities that will surely encourage others to surrender their lives to Christ.
Like the Mango tree that bears sweet and crunchy fruit, may our lives be fruitful enough to invite others to come to Jesus. When we live our faith by following His teachings, we get to show the world how it is to be sons and daughters of an all-powerful promise-keeping, ever-loving, tender-hearted Heavenly King who only has the best plans for His children.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Galatians 5:16-26 and John 15:1-17 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you bear the fruits of the spirit? Which godly attribute are you proud of, and which one do you find it challenging to exhibit in your life?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for giving me the chance to exhibit Godly qualities that would encourage more people to have faith in you. Please give me the grace to not give up on trying to manifest these qualities in spite of how other people treat me, and in spite of my own selfishness. Amen.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
