Matthew 7:15-20 NIVUK
15 ‘Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognise them.
This passage connects to yesterday’s. Remember how David was picked to be king in the Old Testament? God chose him not for his appearance or connections or status, but because of his heart (1 Samuel 16:7 ‘…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’) The catch is, when we have to make assessments of others, we can only see the outside, not the heart. What we say is not always a good indicator of what is within, words are easy. Jesus tells us here, however, that someone’s heart will be expressed in their deeds. A person of faith will act according to their faith. A person of love will be loving. A person of hope will live according to that hope. A selfish person will act for their own gain. A person filled with hate will speak hate and act hatefully. Our actions reveal or betray who we are.
Father may my deeds declare my faith in you.
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