Fruit of the Vine

Bible Reading: John 15:5-8; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:13

Leigh Ann patted down the earth around the small vine she had planted. A wooden trellis stood behind the plant so it would have something to support it as it grew tall. She wiped the dirt from her hands onto her old jeans and sat back on her heels. “I can’t wait until the vine grows and gets those little white flowers. Confederate Jasmine makes the best smell ever!”

Adam, her stepdad, smiled. “You know it will take another year before you see any blooms.”

“That’s okay,” said Leigh Ann. “I can wait.”

Adam and Leigh Ann watered the vine then put away the small spade and the hose. After finishing their work, they sat on the porch glider to enjoy the warm afternoon sun. Leigh Ann’s mom brought out some lemonade and cups.

“Pastor Rick talked about Jesus being a vine,” Mom told Leigh Ann. “Do you remember?”

“Yes,” Leigh answered. “But I didn’t really understand. How is Jesus a vine?”

“Let me ask you this,” said Mom. “Can there be little white Jasmine flowers without the vine?”

“No, of course not.”

“So,” said Mom, “the vine produces the sweet-smelling flowers, and Jesus, our vine, produces the good fruit in us.”

Leigh Ann was still confused. “What do you mean, good fruit?”

Adam explained. “The good fruit Jesus grows in us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we produce good fruit, we are showing others that we belong to Jesus and that His Holy Spirit lives inside us.”

“So, Jesus planted His Spirit in me when I trusted Him as my Savior last month,” Leigh Ann said. “And now He helps me show love and patience and all that nice stuff.”

“That’s right,” said Mom. “But, like the vine you planted, it takes care and pruning for beautiful flowers or fruit to be produced.”

Leigh Ann grinned. “I guess that means you need to give me lots of time before expecting any good fruit.”

“Oh, I can already see some fruit growing in your life,” said Adam. He picked up the watering can. “But we can still water you more often!” He ran after a squealing Leigh Ann, sprinkling water over her head.

-Bonnie Carr

How About You?

Do you see God’s fruit growing in your life? Just like a vine grows flowers, grapes, or berries, Jesus produces good fruit in us—qualities like love, patience, and kindness. His Spirit works in our hearts, patiently caring for us and pruning us so good fruit will grow for others to see. As you grow in your faith in Jesus, others will see His goodness in you.

Today’s Key Verse:
John 15:5 (NIV) I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus grows the good in us