The fruit in our lives
His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about “fruit” in the life of the believer, based on Christ’s saying: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” He stresses that the spiritual person must be fruitful in every aspect of life, since from the beginning God said: “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth.”
Types of spiritual fruit
He explains that there are many kinds of fruit: the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, gentleness…), the fruit of service, repentance, speech, deeds, and even the “fruit of the womb.” Each fruit reflects the person’s relationship with God, with others, and with self. Whoever abides in God bears good fruit; whoever does not, withers like a severed branch.
Conditions for spiritual fruitfulness
To bear fruit, one’s “soil”—the heart—must be good and receptive to divine grace. Spiritual life must be nourished by Scripture reading, prayer, Communion, and participation in church. Like a tree, the soul needs water and fertilizer to grow. Hardened hearts, however, are like rocky ground that produces nothing.
Cleansing from sins and evils
A life full of sin, bad company, or stumbling blocks cannot be fruitful. The soul must be purified continuously, just as a field must be cleared of weeds and pests. Repentance is this ongoing purification.
Fruit of repentance and service
True repentance produces humility, tears, and love for God; true service produces love for others, holy zeal, and faithfulness. Fruits are the true evidence of spiritual life, for Christ said: “By their fruits you shall know them.”
Fruit of words and deeds
He speaks of the “fruit of the lips”—gracious and uplifting words that bring comfort and wisdom. A good word gives life, while idle speech brings harm. Likewise, the working hand bears blessings, while the idle one remains barren.
Fruit that endures beyond life
The true spiritual person continues to bear fruit even after death, as Scripture says: “Their works follow them.” Saints like Anthony, Athanasius, and Habib Girgis filled the world with their enduring spiritual fruit.
Call to a continuously fruitful life
He concludes with a practical exhortation: Let every action in your life have fruit—in prayer, reading, confession, and service. Think of the outcome of your words and deeds, for in the end God will reward each according to his fruit.
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