Many times, we give honor to the gift more than we do the fruit. Everyone wants to pray in tongues, sing in the choir, and engage in other activities that make them feel as though they are doing what is right. While it is good to utilize our gifts to the glory of God, it is expedient to know deep down in our hearts that God desires we show forth fruit worthy of our calling as believers.
You can do so much, and still not do it with the right motive, isn't that possible? Very well of course, and most times, what you do may even be justified because you somehow feel you are doing the right thing. The truth remains however that as believers, we are to exalt the fruits more than we exalt the gifts. The fruit we show is that which validates the gift. Let's see the passage of scripture below:
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing".(1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
The scripture in the book of Galatians makes mention of the fruits of the Spirit of which love or what is, in this case, referred to as charity is found. And what is that which makes people identify us as children of God? It is because of the fruit which we produce, and which they see in us, for by our fruits are we known. Praise God.
The apostle Paul in writing to the church at Corinth did this I believe to make them know that it was very much more important that the fruit be seen in them than that which they did. According to our text, a believer can still operate in the gifts, and abhor hatred in his heart. He could still exercise so much great faith that he can even move mountains but without love for his brethren. He could prophesy, give all, speak in tongues, etc but if done out of love, it counts as nothing before the Lord who sees the heart, and as nothing before men who judge by the fruit he sees you produce.
What is this telling us? Whatever we do s believers should be a result of the love we have for God, and his people. That we are to focus on the fruit which as believers we are to show forth, and not just on the gift or work because if the fruit contradicts the gift or work, it will be questioned. The Lord helps us all to understand his word in Jesus' name. Amen
Thought for the Day: It is expected that all you do as a believer should be out of love; first for God, and then for people.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying, and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, inquiries/testimonies, please call or WhatsApp: 09168301042 or Email: [email protected]
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