Originally published Monday, 20 September 2021.
(Image Credit: Canva)
In these turbulent times, it’s time for the body of Christ to shine brighter in our homes, jobs, communities, churches, and online circles like never before! The world is getting darker and darker, and the Bible forewarned us that in the last days, there would be difficult times. We’re seeing it. Would you agree? I see it. So, as Christians, in order to shine even brighter in this dark and difficult world, we’re going to need to live fruitful lives in our day.
So how do we accomplish this in our daily lives and in this critical hour? The simple answer – action.
Yep! Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:20, “Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you identify people by their actions.” In Jesus’ own words, He tells us through John 15:8, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” Sis, the Father is glorified when we produce fruitful lives.
But what is fruit and how is it produced in our lives?
Galatians 5:22-23 explains it well, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living and dwelling within us to help us live out fruitful lives. It’s a great partnership!
With that being said, I want to share a few helpful action steps to living a fruitful life practically:
Love – Show love with a simple smile, gift, gesture, and by Holy Spirit-led action. First John 3:18 says, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth.” #truthinlove
Joy – Be joyful. Even in the midst of hardship, allow the Holy Spirit to exude supernatural joy that flows from within. I echo the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 15:13, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Peace – Live in peace with people as much as possible. Romans 12:18 encourages, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Jesus also taught us through the Gospels in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” When you and I are peacemakers, it shows that we truly are children of God.
Patience – Be patient and wait. Wait in the grocery store checkout line. Wait your turn. Wait on God in every situation. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Kindness – Be kind. Did you know that when we are kind, we are actually showing love? Yep! First Corinthians 13:4 starts off with, “Love is patient and kind.” Also, Proverbs 3:3 says, “Do not let kindness and truth leave you.”
Goodness – Show the goodness of God by doing good deeds. James 2:18 tells us, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by good deeds.” When we do good deeds, people will praise and glorify the Father in heaven.
Faithfulness – Remain faithful to God and remain faithful to others (i.e., in marriage, ministry, friendships, and on the job), and trust in the Lord always. The Apostle Paul teaches in 2 Timothy 3:14, “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught.” Know the Word, live the Word.
Gentleness/Meekness – Be gentle in touch and with your words. Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Also, be meek (humble). Jesus said in Luke 14:11, “For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.”
Self-Control – This is a big one! I tend to say, this is all about “controlling yourself.” It’s all about us controlling our thoughts, words, attitudes, temptations, and actions. Proverbs 25:28 says, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” Imagine that! In the Old Testament, walls protected the people. Yikes!
Jesus tell us in John 15:16, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit.” He is coming back, and we want to be found in faithful, in fellowship with one another, and fruitful in every way, sis. Again, it’s time to live fruitfully as we shine brighter than ever before in our homes, churches, and world.
In closing, I want to share two verses with you from Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16 and John 15:4, “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father…Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” Stay connected and stay fruitful.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon. And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So, let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
Questions: Are you living a fruitful life? What area of the fruit of the Spirit do you feel you need more spiritual growth? Share it in the comments or you can email me directly as insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com.
Also if you need prayer, you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I will pray for you.
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Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).
Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in Christ, character, and calling. She is an author and sought-out speaker. Her speaking appearances include She Speaks, Hope*Writers Tuesday Teaching, Christian Parenting Conference, and Entrusted Women’s Conference. In addition, her blog and podcast, Inside Out with Courtnaye reaches thousands of women across the globe! She is also the founder of the faith-based marketing and mentorship agency, Inside Out Media Group, LLC, where she’s worked with platforms such as PBS, CBN, TCT Networks, and Yahoo. Connect with her at www.courtnayerichard.com or on Instagram @insideoutwithcourtnaye.
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