In the Gospel according to Saint John we find Jesus speaking of the fruits that we must bear while we are in His ways. That is why it is good that when we read the Bible we pay close attention, because that way we can understand well what He is trying to teach us.
Jesus says that He is the true vine and that if we are in His paths, we must bear good fruit. These words are not merely symbolic; they reveal a deep spiritual truth about our dependence on Christ. Just as a branch cannot live by itself apart from the vine, neither can we have spiritual life, strength, or purpose if we are separated from Jesus. Everything that flows into our lives—faith, perseverance, love, and obedience—comes from our relationship with Him.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
John 15:1
By declaring Himself the true vine, Jesus teaches us that He is the only genuine source of life. There are many things in this world that promise fulfillment, security, or success, but only Christ can give true spiritual nourishment. The Father, as the husbandman, is the one who cares for the vine, watching over it, correcting it, and ensuring that it grows according to His perfect will. This shows us that God is actively involved in our spiritual growth.
These fruits of which Jesus speaks are about what we do in our walk, fruits of repentance. This is not about being merely identified as believers or claiming to be within His ways while remaining unchanged. Rather, it is about a life that reflects transformation. Bearing fruit means that our character, attitudes, and actions show evidence of Christ working in us. True repentance produces visible results: humility, obedience, love for others, and a sincere desire to live according to God’s Word.
This is not about that you are only within His ways and everything has ended there, but that we will have struggle day after day. The Christian life is not free from conflict; on the contrary, it involves daily battles. These struggles are with spirits and powers sent by the evil one, who seeks to discourage us, weaken our faith, and draw us away from the truth. Because of this, remaining connected to Christ is not optional—it is essential.
That is why we must always be asking God for His mercy to accompany us and strengthen us every day, since with our own strength we cannot. Human effort alone is insufficient to produce spiritual fruit. No amount of discipline or good intentions can replace the power of God working in us. When we humble ourselves before Him and acknowledge our dependence, His grace sustains us and enables us to continue even when we feel weak or discouraged.
If we have strength and wisdom from God, then we can work to bear fruit in the ways of our Lord Jesus. God provides not only the strength to endure but also the wisdom to make right decisions, to resist temptation, and to walk in obedience. As we remain in prayer and in His Word, our lives begin to reflect the fruit that glorifies Him.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
John 15:2
This verse reminds us of the seriousness of our calling. God expects fruit from those who belong to Christ. The branch that does not bear fruit is removed, while the one that bears fruit is pruned. Pruning can be painful, because it often involves correction, discipline, or seasons of trial. However, its purpose is loving and restorative: that we may bring forth more fruit and grow stronger in our faith.
If you plant a tree and expect fruit from it, and after the indicated time for that tree to bear fruit it does not do so, then that tree is cut. This simple example helps us understand the spiritual principle Jesus is teaching. Fruit is the natural evidence of life. In the same way, a believer’s life should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a living relationship with Christ.
This happens with those people that God calls to bear fruit and remain stagnant. When a person hears the Word, receives instruction, and yet refuses to grow or change, that stagnation leads to loss. These people lose everything because they did not give any kind of fruit while being in the ways of God. It is not enough to begin well; perseverance and growth are necessary.
As servants of Christ it is our commitment to bear fruits of repentance and fruits of preaching His Holy Word, so that others may hear from God. Our lives should point others to Christ through our testimony, our conduct, and our love. When we remain in the true vine, our lives will naturally produce fruit that glorifies God and blesses those around us.