Since becoming a follower of Christ, I have been told that  bearing fruit meant witnessing and winning people to Christ.  I began asking myself, what if I didn’t “win” anyone to Christ?  What if when I tried, no one committed themselves to Christ?  Does “bearing fruit” mean soul winning?  What if bearing fruit ALSO meant “answered prayer”  (John 15:7)?  “Joy  (John 15:11)” “Love” (John 15:12)?  Galatians 5:22-23 mentions the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.  Although Christian character is t=fruit, it ALONE does not cover the full meaning of my remaining connected to the vine (Jesus).  I know people who have good character but are not Christ followers – some are agnostics or atheists.  I also know people who call themselves Christians but show very little signs of the fruit of the Spirit or bearing fruit.  Are these the ones that this chapter  refer to as branches that will be cut off?

I Peter 3:15 says that when I am connected to the vine, I will be ready at ALL times to give an explanation (verbal) to those who ask for the reason I have hope in Christ.  I am reminded that the Holy Spirit, not me, that convicts, justifies, and judges.  In a similar way, bearing good  fruit in character brings glory to God (John 15:8).  I pray that I will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit today and every day to be able to hear and be open to any and all opportunity to bring lorry to God by my behavior and speech.