THOUGHTFUL THINGS
Verify the Fruit
Not everyone who says they are sent by God is walking in His Spirit. In this hour, we must be wise and discerning. It’s not about charisma — it’s about character, not about talent, but about fruit. “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” — Matthew 7:16 Jesus made it clear: if you want to know what’s real, verify the fruit. Don’t be swayed by smooth words or spiritual performances. Look for the evidence of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” — Matthew 7:17 (KJV) You don’t need to judge with a critical spirit, but you are called to discern. A godly life produces godly fruit. A heart truly yielded to Christ will bear the evidence of it, not just in public, but in private.
Some may speak in tongues, preach powerful messages, and seem anointed — but if the fruit is pride, division, control, or immorality, it’s time to step back and seek the Lord.
Let the Spirit guide you. Let the Word teach you. Don’t just listen — watch the fruit. Because real anointing is not just heard — it’s lived.
John 15:2 “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”
God desires for His people to be fruitful. If we bear fruit, He prunes us, not to harm us, but so we can grow even more.
John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Fruitfulness comes from abiding in Christ — staying connected, surrendered, and obedient to Him.
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
The evidence of the Holy Spirit working in us is spiritual fruit — Christlike character in action. Psalm 1:2-3 “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season…” When we stay rooted in God’s Word, we grow strong and fruitful in every season.
Bearing fruit in the KJV sense means living a life that reflects Christ, honors God, and blesses others. It’s not about performance, but about connection to the Vine — Jesus Christ.
We invite you to visit us at The Family Church, 9456 Hwy 146 N, Hardin, TX. You can watch our services live via Facebook at @tfchardin.