“Produce fruit consistent with repentance.”
Matthew 3:8
John the Baptist taught the message of repentance and challenged his followers to show repentance through their actions. We are also called to keep bearing the fruits of repentance. True repentance is not just a confession, but it is turning away from sin and turning to God. It is a change of mind that transforms one’s actions and lifestyle. It involves feeling genuine remorse for one’s actions, confessing those wrongs, changing behaviour and committing to a life that honours God.
1. THE MEANING OF BEARING FRUITS OF REPENTANCE
Bearing fruits of repentance means to prove by the way we live that we have repented from our sins and turned to God. It is clear evidence of a changed mind and heart, transformed life and ongoing communion with Jesus Christ. Repentance usually produces visible change that flows from your life. Bearing fruits of repentance requires ongoing effort, patience and perseverance. “Let us not get tired of doing what is good, at the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Gal 6:9).
2. WHAT ARE THE FRUITS OF REPENTANCE
The fruits of repentance are actions that reveal a true change in a Christian’s life. When John the Baptist preached repentance to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry, his followers asked him what they should do to show repentance. He instructed them to help those in need, feed the hungry, avoid stealing, refrain from exploiting others, tell the truth, and be content with your wages (Luke 3:10-14). These actions demonstrate the love we are supposed to have for our neighbours. The fruit of repentance symbolises the visible evidence of a life connected to Christ, characterised by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). These qualities are the fruits of the Holy Spirit that naturally flow from those who live a life of repentance and have a relationship with God.
3. WHY MUST WE BEAR FRUITS
The ultimate purpose of bearing fruits of repentance is to glorify God and point others to Him. Our Lord Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Matthew 5:16 says “let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Living a life that is consistent with repentance is a powerful testimony of God’s power and grace to the world.
4. HOW TO BEAR FRUITS OF REPENTANCE
Our ability to bear fruits that are consistent with repentance completely depends on our intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. As He said, “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. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5). We only bear good fruits by being connected to Him (Matt 7:17-23). He is the true source of our strength and power to live a repentant life. We remain connected to Him by spending time in prayer, studying God’s Word and fellowshipping with other believers. As a result, we easily turn away from our ways to God’s ways.
Repentance is an ongoing process of turning away from sin and turning to God. The fruits we bear in keeping with repentance is the result of a heart that has been changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we stay rooted in Christ, there will be evidence of a repentant life that glorifies God.
Further study: Luke 6:43-45
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