The Fruit Test Approach to evaluate ones life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twelveth  Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 7:15-20*

*First Reading : Gn 15:1-12, 17-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9*

*The Fruit Test Approach to evaluate ones life*

*1) Fruit Test Approach*

The fruit refers to the outward evidence of a person’s inward spiritual reality—their character, actions, words, and the effect they have on others.

It is the visible sign of the health and truth of their faith.

Just as a tree's nature is revealed by the type of fruit it bears, so a person's true spiritual identity is revealed by how they live.

*2) Fruits Reflect the Heart’s Condition*

*“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.”* (Mt 7:18)

Jesus emphasizes that what is inside will eventually come out. 

A truly transformed heart will produce good works.

The fruit is not just behavior, but consistent moral and spiritual integrity: love, humility, mercy, forgiveness.

*3) Fruits Must Be in Harmony with Jesus’ Teachings*

The entire Sermon on the Mount provides a blueprint for the "good fruit" Jesus expects:

Matthew 5: The Beatitudes describe inner attitudes: poverty of spirit, meekness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking.

Matthew 6: Teaches sincerity in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—fruit of authentic piety, not performance.

Matthew 7: Warns against hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and superficial faith.

Only those who put Jesus’ words into practice produce lasting fruit (Mt 7:24–27 — the wise builder)

*4) The Danger of False Fruit*

People can fake religion: “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?” (Mt 7:22)

But Jesus will say: “I never knew you.” Because external actions without relationship and obedience are false fruit.

The fruit test is not about charisma, success, or even miracles—but about obedience and transformation.

*5) Fruit Is Meant to Nourish Others*

A healthy tree does not keep its fruit for itself—it blesses others.

A true disciple’s life brings peace, encouragement, justice, and love to others, not manipulation, fear, or division.

*6) Judgment Will Be Based on Fruit*

Jesus ends this section with a warning:

“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Mt 7:19)

This is a sobering reminder that faith is not just about hearing or believing—it is about producing the fruit of righteousness.

*7) What Are the “Good Fruits”?*

Based on the Sermon on the Mount and broader Scripture, good fruits include:

Love, mercy, and peace (Mt 5:7–9)

Forgiveness and reconciliation (Mt 5:23–24)

Purity of intention (Mt 6:1–6)

Trust in God, not materialism (Mt 6:19–34)

Living the Word (Mt 7:24–27)

The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)

*8) Final Word*

Fruit test spirituality, as taught in the Sermon on the Mount, is not about perfection or appearance. 

It is about a life rooted in Christ, nourished by grace, and expressed in daily obedience.

“Every good tree bears good fruit.” (Mt 7:17)

May we be those trees—planted deeply in Christ, bearing fruits of love, mercy, peace, and truth, to the glory of God.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*