Be Fruitful
Have you ever heard the phrase “be fruitful” and wondered what it means? Is it even possible?
The first time we encounter “be fruitful” is in the book of Genesis. In chapter one, we learn that God commanded the waters to abundantly bring forth living creatures, including the fowl that fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. Then, He created great whales, other creatures that move in the water, and every type of winged fowl. After declaring them good, God blessed them and commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply” (vv. 20-22).
The next occurrence of “be fruitful” is in Genesis 1:24-28. After the Lord brought forth the living creatures of the earth—cattle, creeping things, and beasts—and declared them good, He made humans (male and female) in His image and likeness, blessing them, and commanding them to “be fruitful and multiply” (v. 28).
Be Spiritually Fruitful
Like the living creatures and humans in the creation account, believers in Christ are commanded to “be fruitful and multiply” spiritually. Let’s look at Psalm 1. In verses 1-2, the righteous person's positive characteristics are contrasted with the ungodly person's negative attributes in verses 4-5. When we closely examine verse 3, we discover that the righteous person is described as a tree planted by the rivers of water, being nourished continually, bringing forth fruit in her season, not experiencing withering leaves, and prospering in everything he does.
The prophet Jeremiah, speaking to the people of Judah, who trusted in men rather than God, explained what trusting in men would look like versus trusting in the Lord. Those who trust and hope in the Lord would be like a tree planted by the waters, having green leaves that will never cease to yield fruit (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
In the New Testament, we see indirect commands to be fruitful and multiply. For example, in John chapter 15, Jesus described to His disciples how He is the true vine and God (the Father) is the husbandman who owns and takes care of the vine (v. 1).[1] He explained that they were branches and admonished them to abide in Him so they would bring forth much fruit, adding this caveat: Without Him, they could do nothing (v. 5). In verse 16, Jesus reiterated that He selected and ordained (commanded) them to bring forth fruit that would always remain.
Our Spiritual Source
Because Jesus is the vine, He is the source of our fruitfulness. We see this in the fourth chapter of John, where His disciples were baptizing more people than John the Baptizer while carrying out His directives (v. 1).
As we read further in the chapter, we observe Jesus encounter a woman preparing to draw water at a well in Samaria. In His dialogue with her Jesus describes two water sources. He tells her that whoever drinks natural water will thirst again, but He has spiritual water to give her that will be like a well springing up into everlasting life—symbolizing spiritual fruitfulness (vv. 7-14).
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul identified the Source (seed) that dwells in believers, equipping us to produce the fruit (attributes) of love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and temperance. Thus, we have access to the Holy Spirit, who nourishes us to always be fruitful.
“Be (Remain) Fruitful” Challenge
We started with God’s command to “be fruitful.” A synonym for the word “be” is remain. Therefore, we should remain seedful by continuously depending on our life-producing Source to manifest spiritual fruit.
Faithfully, Relying, Undergirding, Inquiring, Trusting, Following, Unconditionally, Leaning
Over the next 7 days, identify several attributes of the fruit of the Spirit, allowing them to produce in your life. Journal the experience, considering the F.R.U.I.T.F.U.L. acronym above.
1. What fruit did you identify?
2. Did you remain faithful to allowing the Seed’s attributes to be produced?
3. What obstacles did you experience that moved you to trust and lean on the Lord?
4. Did you inquire through prayer how to allow the fruit’s attribute to manifest?
5. Did you unconditionally rely on your Source?
6. After you undergirded and followed through, how did it feel to produce the fruit’s attributes you identified?
Dr. Latouna Hayes is an ordained minister and serves on the Women’s Strategic Team, Pastoral Care Ministry, and Praise Team at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago. IL. She is also a licensed clinical professional counselor and the founder of Peculiar Treasures Christian Counseling, which integrates psychotherapy with a biblical perspective. You can learn more about her Christian counseling and life coaching practice at www.peculiartreasuresministries.com.
[1] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (1994). The KJV Parallel Bible Commentary (p. 2112). Thomas Nelson.
The first time we encounter “be fruitful” is in the book of Genesis. In chapter one, we learn that God commanded the waters to abundantly bring forth living creatures, including the fowl that fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. Then, He created great whales, other creatures that move in the water, and every type of winged fowl. After declaring them good, God blessed them and commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply” (vv. 20-22).
The next occurrence of “be fruitful” is in Genesis 1:24-28. After the Lord brought forth the living creatures of the earth—cattle, creeping things, and beasts—and declared them good, He made humans (male and female) in His image and likeness, blessing them, and commanding them to “be fruitful and multiply” (v. 28).
Be Spiritually Fruitful
Like the living creatures and humans in the creation account, believers in Christ are commanded to “be fruitful and multiply” spiritually. Let’s look at Psalm 1. In verses 1-2, the righteous person's positive characteristics are contrasted with the ungodly person's negative attributes in verses 4-5. When we closely examine verse 3, we discover that the righteous person is described as a tree planted by the rivers of water, being nourished continually, bringing forth fruit in her season, not experiencing withering leaves, and prospering in everything he does.
The prophet Jeremiah, speaking to the people of Judah, who trusted in men rather than God, explained what trusting in men would look like versus trusting in the Lord. Those who trust and hope in the Lord would be like a tree planted by the waters, having green leaves that will never cease to yield fruit (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
In the New Testament, we see indirect commands to be fruitful and multiply. For example, in John chapter 15, Jesus described to His disciples how He is the true vine and God (the Father) is the husbandman who owns and takes care of the vine (v. 1).[1] He explained that they were branches and admonished them to abide in Him so they would bring forth much fruit, adding this caveat: Without Him, they could do nothing (v. 5). In verse 16, Jesus reiterated that He selected and ordained (commanded) them to bring forth fruit that would always remain.
Our Spiritual Source
Because Jesus is the vine, He is the source of our fruitfulness. We see this in the fourth chapter of John, where His disciples were baptizing more people than John the Baptizer while carrying out His directives (v. 1).
As we read further in the chapter, we observe Jesus encounter a woman preparing to draw water at a well in Samaria. In His dialogue with her Jesus describes two water sources. He tells her that whoever drinks natural water will thirst again, but He has spiritual water to give her that will be like a well springing up into everlasting life—symbolizing spiritual fruitfulness (vv. 7-14).
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul identified the Source (seed) that dwells in believers, equipping us to produce the fruit (attributes) of love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and temperance. Thus, we have access to the Holy Spirit, who nourishes us to always be fruitful.
“Be (Remain) Fruitful” Challenge
We started with God’s command to “be fruitful.” A synonym for the word “be” is remain. Therefore, we should remain seedful by continuously depending on our life-producing Source to manifest spiritual fruit.
Faithfully, Relying, Undergirding, Inquiring, Trusting, Following, Unconditionally, Leaning
Over the next 7 days, identify several attributes of the fruit of the Spirit, allowing them to produce in your life. Journal the experience, considering the F.R.U.I.T.F.U.L. acronym above.
1. What fruit did you identify?
2. Did you remain faithful to allowing the Seed’s attributes to be produced?
3. What obstacles did you experience that moved you to trust and lean on the Lord?
4. Did you inquire through prayer how to allow the fruit’s attribute to manifest?
5. Did you unconditionally rely on your Source?
6. After you undergirded and followed through, how did it feel to produce the fruit’s attributes you identified?
Dr. Latouna Hayes is an ordained minister and serves on the Women’s Strategic Team, Pastoral Care Ministry, and Praise Team at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago. IL. She is also a licensed clinical professional counselor and the founder of Peculiar Treasures Christian Counseling, which integrates psychotherapy with a biblical perspective. You can learn more about her Christian counseling and life coaching practice at www.peculiartreasuresministries.com.
[1] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (1994). The KJV Parallel Bible Commentary (p. 2112). Thomas Nelson.
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19 Comments
Praise The Lord!
nThe blog, Be Fruitful, is a masterpiece.
nI can identify my fruit is of the spirit!
nbiblical, truths, spiritual, and we can relate..
Praise the Lord! Thank you Dr. Hayes for sharing this insightful meaning of "being Fruitful." As believers of Christ, we should always examine our lives and characteristics to see that we are producing the fruit of righteousness.
This is a beautiful write up. Thanks, for sharing. It is plainly written, and is exactly how I would interpret the scriptures.
Thank you for reminding us that we should and can be fruitful by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. And thank you for giving us a thoughtful exercise that helps us to put into practice the principles you have laid out.
Very insightful and informative
Thank you, Dr. Hayes, for such a thoughtful and detailed write-up. You’ve shared so many nuggets of wisdom, and I truly appreciate the time and care it took to put your thoughts to paper. I thank God for using you as a masterpiece instrument for His work. Amen
Praise the Lord Dr. Hayes, what a blessing to share the insight of God’s word!! He has equipped you for this beautiful blog. Continue to be use for the Master’s good!!
Awesome blog! God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light into our path! Thank you Dr Hayes
nGod bless you!
This was powerfully written and an on time read. Thank you for the inspiration and challenge to be a doer of the word and not just a hearer.
n
nTGBTG ??
How insightful and scripturally sound! Thank you for not only reminding me but inviting me to assess and evaluate my “”fruitfulness.” We were provided spiritual fruit by the Holy Spirit, however, it is our responsibility to cultivate it. Thank you Dr Hayes-Well Done!
Dr. Hayes, thank you for delivering a timely message on the importance of bearing the fruit of the Spirit among believers and encouraging efforts to positively influence others. Your message highlights the role of individuals as examples and witnesses to their faith, belief, and service in building the Kingdom of God. This is a thoughtful and effective message for these end times. I also appreciate the acronym provided for supporting the process of developing these attributes. Well done.
Thank you for the reminder. I love to be challenged and that is what this word does. It challenges me to examine what fruit I am producing and it also reminds me that I should be producing fruit. Life on earth is about living and most living things produce in one way or another. Life in Christ is about producing and I as a believer must be producing, growing, moving forward. I also love your questions. Thank you again for allowing the spirit to flow through you as a vessel bringing glory to God.
Amen! I'm thrilled to embark on this 7-day journey of exploring various attributes of the fruit of the Spirit and seeing how they can blossom in my life.
Awesome, and eye opener. Very well done Dr. Latonya.
This was very well written. We must exemplify living the gospel by allowing our fruit to manifest well so that others can see Christ in us. Excellent Dr. Hayes! Excellent!!!
Dr. Hayes, Thank you so very much for this powerful read, it was truly on time for me today. As believer's and follower's of Christ it is of the utmost importance that we always examine ourselves and be "FRUITFUL" in our walk with him. When we learn to lean on the Lord and we produce good fruit in our walk with him others can be uplifted, encouraged and souls can be drawn to Christ. Thank you again for sharing your wisdom and insight into the word of God, I look forward to reading your next Blog.......BLESSINGS
Such a great insight! Staying connected to the vine and remaining in him will allow us to be fruitful in all areas of our life??
This was an excellent and insightful blog. I truly appreciated the way you unpacked the meaning of being fruitful beyond just outcomes, highlighting growth and character. It was both refreshing and motivating—thank you for this thoughtful piece.
Awesome! blog very insightful on how to be fruitful and multiply Amen ????❤️