📖 "You will know them by their fruits."
Matthew 7:16
On one side, we see the withered, barren tree — twisted by the fruit of self: fear, anger, selfishness, jealousy, and regret. It’s dry, brittle, shadowed… a reflection of what life looks like when we’re trying to do it all on our own strength. Rooted in insecurity, it bears the evidence of striving and survival, not surrender.
On the other side, the tree is lush and radiant with life — bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Each word is like a gem: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… and many more. These aren’t just feelings — they’re evidence of a life yielded to God's presence. They blossom from deep roots in Christ.
It reminds me of what Paul wrote in Galatians 5:22–23:
📖 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." — Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)
It’s not about trying harder to be good — it’s about staying connected to the Source of goodness Himself. When we abide in Him, the fruit comes naturally, like sap rising through a healthy tree.
Reflection:
🌿 Let us ask ourselves — What am I rooted in today?🤔 What fruit is growing in the branches of my life?🤔
Which side of the tree do I most identify with in this season of life? 🤔
Are there any “fruits” of self that I need to surrender to Holy Spirit’s pruning? 🤔
What would it look like to intentionally nurture the fruit of the Spirit today? 🤔
Stay rooted in His love, dear soul 🌳💖
You are being transformed, branch by branch.
Life Application:
Affirmation:
Creative Prompt:
Using watercolour or digital art, paint your own version of this tree. On one side, let the colours fade and crack — representing the fruit of self. On the other hand, let vibrant hues bloom and flourish — the fruit of Holy Spirit in your life. Write Scriptures or personal reflections among the branches.
Closing Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I surrender the parts of me that bear fruit not born of You. Prune what needs to go. Nurture in me a heart that abides in Jesus — so that love, joy, peace, and all Your fruit may flourish in my life. Make me a tree planted by rivers of living water, bearing fruit in every season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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