Scripture:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”
— Matthew 7:15-20
Reflection:
As women who seek to walk in the footsteps of Christ, we are called to discern the true nature of those who influence our lives. Jesus’ warning about false prophets is as relevant today as it was for His disciples. False prophets can appear in many forms—sometimes they come as friends, advisors, or leaders who outwardly seem to share our values but inwardly lead us away from God’s truth.
Jesus tells us that we will know them by their fruits. A healthy, thriving tree will naturally produce good fruit. In contrast, a diseased or rotten tree can only yield bad fruit. In our lives, this means we must look beyond words and appearances to the actions and outcomes of those we follow and admire. Do their lives exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? Or do they sow discord, confusion, and hurt?
This passage also invites us to reflect on the fruits of our own lives. Are we bearing good fruit for the Kingdom? Are our actions and words reflective of a heart transformed by Christ? A tree that bears good fruit is deeply rooted in fertile soil, nourished by water, and pruned by the gardener. Similarly, our spiritual growth requires us to be deeply rooted in the Word of God, nourished by prayer, and pruned through life’s challenges and God’s loving discipline.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help us to be vigilant and discerning of the influences in our lives. Give us the wisdom to recognize false prophets and the courage to distance ourselves from their harmful impact. May our lives bear good fruit that glorifies You and reflects Your love to the world. Root us deeply in Your truth, nourish us with Your grace, and prune away anything that does not honor You. Empower us to walk in Your ways and to be a source of blessing to those around us. Amen.
Action:
Take time this week to evaluate the influences in your life. Reflect on the fruits they are bearing and whether they align with God’s truth. Additionally, examine your own life and actions. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you can grow and produce more of the good fruit that comes from a life rooted in Christ
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Holy Beautiful Life
Featured Image by Andrzej from Pixabay
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