Down in the Soil
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” John 15:1
“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.” John 15:5
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8
Insight
Nothing beats biting into a perfectly ripe peach or strawberry on a scorching summer day. A sweet burst of flavor cools you from the inside out. Savoring fruit at its peak is one of life's simple pleasures - a reminder that the best things come from what's been patiently nurtured. The fruit we enjoy is an outward expression of what was happening unseen down in the roots and soil.
The same is true for our lives - the "fruit" we bear through our thoughts, words, and actions simply overflows from what's been cultivated within us. Real, lasting fruitfulness doesn't come from our own efforts alone - it flows from the deep, inner work of God's Spirit within us.
What we collide with and allow into our lives affects us profoundly below the surface. If we're continually exposing our hearts to negativity, bitterness, and fear, those mindsets will inevitably take root and spring forth in our outward words and actions. Conversely, when we devote intentional time and attention to abiding in Christ's love, studying His truth, and opening ourselves to His transforming grace, a harbored joy erupts from the depths of who we are. We cultivate what we're ultimately devoted to. Quite simply, we grow what we sow.
Jesus said, "You will recognize them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). The fruit of our lives doesn't lie - it transparently reveals the state of our inner selves, our true priorities, and the condition of our hearts. We can say all the right things, but our lived-out example speaks louder than words. A well-watered garden can’t help but produce fruit.
The good news is that while we're responsible for tending to the soil of our lives, God Himself is the source of any goodness or beauty that blooms forth. He is the Master Gardener who lovingly forms and shapes us through His patient, unconditional love. As we abide in Christ and stay rooted in Him, His very life and character increasingly become our own.
This process of formation - of our lives aligning with the truth of who we are in Christ - takes endurance. We must commit to remaining planted and allowing God to tend to us each day. It requires courage to let Him dig into the depths and pull out the thorns and weeds that compete for nourishment. The Lord's tender, restorative grace can grow something vibrantly new out of any brokenness we surrender to Him.
Cultivating good soil should be our aim, not fixating on the fruit itself. As we're transformed from the inside out, our outward expression will naturally change. Kindness, joy, peace, patience, and self-control express themselves more often. And just as a vibrant garden delights the senses and brightens up its surroundings, the spiritual fruit borne from our lives brings a bit of beauty to the world around us.
The fruit of our lives isn't meant just for us, but to nourish those around us as well. We bear fruit so that others can taste and see that the Lord is good! As we overflow with the love of Christ, we become rich soil that God uses to sow seeds of life and hope into others' hearts. He longs to grow something vibrant and beautiful out of what we surrender to Him.
Reflection
In what areas of your life do you see evidence of spiritual fruit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc? How are they bringing beauty to the world around you?
In what areas do you feel spiritually fruitless? What "weeds" or thorns are currently competing for nourishment in the soil of your heart and mind? What unhealthy thoughts, motivations, or habits need to be pulled out?
Further Practice
If you are interested in furthering today’s practice, identify someone you know who exemplifies spiritual fruitfulness. Spend time with them, observe their life, and ask them about spiritual disciplines that have grown fruit.
Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for being the Master Gardener who tenderly cultivates our lives. Help us to stay rooted and abide in Christ, surrendering the soil of our hearts to your patient pruning. May the fruit of your Spirit increasingly bloom in our lives, bringing beauty and nourishment to those around us. Amen.