Abundant LifeSample

Bear Fruit

When I first started following Jesus, this verse became a great source of clarity and comfort, and it’s still one of my favorite scriptures. That’s because, before I became a Christian, I was pretty wild. I was addicted to a lot of sinful patterns. I thought if I went to church on Sundays, it was okay for me to live like the world on every other day of the week. Then someone called me out for living a double life. I realized how lukewarm my heart toward Jesus had been – and my lifestyle of compromise reflected my heart. That calling-out shocked me into seeing the changes I needed to make, and, by the grace of God, I came across this verse.

The end of this verse is what really opened my eyes. Jesus says, ‘Apart from Me you can do nothing.’ I had been living my life apart from God. In no way was I abiding in Him. Basically, I was a spectator in a church building. Jesus portrays Himself here as a deeply rooted vine and, if I am abiding in Him, I am a branch growing from that vine. Not only am I attached – deeply connected – I am also bearing fruit because the life of Jesus is flowing into me. Grape vines produce grapes. Apple trees produce apples. The same goes for us. Believers in Jesus produce fruit that looks like Jesus.

The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23 includes the Christ-like traits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Is your life marked by these qualities? The instruction on today’s workout is rest as needed. While you’re resting, abide in Jesus. Pray that He would grow godly fruit in your life. Talk to Him about anything else that’s on your mind. Give thanks for abundant life in Him. Simply enjoy His presence.

First the Word – now the Workout:

15 rounds // 5 cal row

5 toes to bar

5 sit ups, 5 pull ups

5 Russian twists // rest as needed