“So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:17)
How do you know if something is really good and also comes from God? People can say a lot, and make great promises with beautiful words. But, how do you know what’s true in a time of so much fake news? How do you know that you’re not being manipulated by the videos and messages you read? Be careful, Jesus says in Matthew 7:15-23. In those days there were also people who seemed to have the best of intentions, but in reality all they wanted to do was to exercise their own power. How do you learn to see through that? Jesus says, look at the result. What do they have to gain from what they’re doing? What do they want to give you? Jesus uses a tree to illustrate this. A healthy tree produces good, healthy fruit. Do someone’s words bring you closer to Jesus? Does the other person want to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus, or does he just want to use you for his own gain? Is what someone is saying in line with what they are doing? Does the other person want to honor Jesus and show his love? This is what following Jesus is all about.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, please help me to discover what is true and real through Your Word and the Holy Spirit. Protect me from everything that tries to lure me away from You with beautiful words. And help me to be true and real, and show others the way to You.