“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit”
Matthew 7:16-18 (NKJV)
When we think of roots and fruits, it is usually the fruit that manifests first, and then we are able to identify the type of root that is present. It is impossible to look at a tree and bark and leaves and know for certain what the root is like but for sure we will know the tree when the fruit is born. Similarly, adverse behaviours, attitudes, addictions, sicknesses, and diseases are manifested at the root. Often, we focus on the fruit, treat the fruit, and then are faced with the same unsavory fruit at a later date. Because the root remained intact.
Our Scripture today reminds us that grapes and figs that are healthy for man cannot be produced from thorns or thistles, but only from a healthy vine. Jesus is the Good Vine, and when we attach ourselves to Him, good fruit will be produced.
In nature, roots go deep and will continue to produce after their kind, good or bad. Thus, the bad ones need to be dealt with immediately. As in the spiritual world, if roots are not addressed immediately, they will manifest in their original or modified form. A bad root will produce bad fruit. Alcoholism, drug addiction, certain illnesses, and diseases are all symptoms of unforgiveness and a lack of dependence on God. However, it may be possible to treat the fruit but if the root is not addressed, it (the bad fruit) will return.
The fruit can only be altered by impacting the root. The first step to producing good fruit is to identify the bad roots in our lives and pray for God to replace them with good roots.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray for the identification and destruction of the bad roots in my life and pray that good roots and fruits will be manifested in their stead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 3:10; Matthew 12:33
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 82; Acts 27: 13-44; 2 Kings 18; 2 Kings 19:1-13
