Recognized by the Fruit We Bear

“by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:20

The context for the Scripture reference above is a warning to be alert and aware of the false prophets among us. The Scriptures in Matthew 7 inform us false prophets are revealed by the fruit they produce. 

If we can recognize false prophets by the fruit of their work, it should be equally possible to recognize Jesus' followers by the fruit they produce. This truth is borne out in Mathew 5:16 

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

and in 1 Peter 2:12

"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."  

Observant people who see our good deeds and wonder what motivates us are candidates for an invitation to discipleship. In the course of relationship building and the discipleship journey we also need to be ready to speak about our faith in Jesus. We are reminded of this in I Peter 3:15. 

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 

Our good works, followed by an invitation to join us on a discipleship journey to know Jesus better and being prepared to speak about our faith, are powerful tools that can help us to effectively make disciples across the street and around the world.