What Fruit Are You Producing?
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”— John 15:1–2 (ESV)
As Jesus prepared for the cross, He comforted His disciples with words of hope and connection. Though He would soon leave them physically, He reminded them that they remained united to Him—the true vine. In that relationship, they would continue to bear fruit that reflected His Spirit and character.
When I read this passage, I can’t help but think of my own garden. Each plant I’ve planted has its own vine, and each vine produces fruit according to its kind. The branches that remain connected to the vine grow strong and fruitful; those that do not, wither. In the same way, our lives produce fruit based on what—or who—we are connected to.
The Fruit of the Spirit
Scripture tells us that “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Because we are spiritual beings, the fruit we produce flows from our spirit. Galatians 5 describes this fruit:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
These are the moral qualities—they are evidence of the life of Christ within us. Wherever we go and in whatever we face, we are meant to display this kind of fruit because we are connected to Him, the true Vine. Sometimes we think of “fruit” as the things we do for God—our callings, ministries, or accomplishments. But while those are important, God is ultimately looking at the heart behind what we do.
The Heart That Produces Fruit
When the prophet Samuel told King Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice, he was reminding Saul that God values the posture of our heart more than our outward acts. Saul’s desire to please himself instead of following God’s command revealed fruit that was not born of the Spirit.
Likewise, Jesus said of the Pharisees that they honored Him with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him. Outwardly, they appeared righteous—but inwardly, their fruit was empty.
Our true fruit—the fruit that pleases God—is produced in the soil of surrender, obedience, and love.
The Fruit That Remains
Jesus said, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away.” This fruit is not about performance or ministry success—it’s about the spiritual evidence of Christ formed in us. Many people may do great works in His name, but God looks deeper. He searches for hearts that reflect His Spirit.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
— Matthew 7:21 (NIV)
Key Takeaways
It is not the outward act that secures our place in Him, but the inward fruit of our relationship with the true Vine.
Daily communication in prayer, and worship and study of the word keeps are hearts aligned with God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks