In the realm of ethical theology, the phrase "you will know them by their fruits" carries profound significance. This saying, originating from the teachings of Jesus, is found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 7:16-20. Here, Jesus imparts a critical lesson on discernment, urging His followers to evaluate the authenticity of individuals, particularly those who claim to be spiritual leaders or prophets, by the outcomes of their actions and the character they exhibit.
To fully appreciate this teaching, it is essential to understand the context in which Jesus spoke these words. The Sermon on the Mount, where this teaching is located, is a compendium of Jesus' teachings on righteous living and the kingdom of God. In this sermon, Jesus addresses various aspects of life, ethics, and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of internal transformation over mere external observance of religious rituals.
The metaphor of "fruits" is a powerful image used throughout the Bible to represent the visible manifestations of one's inner character and spiritual health. Just as a tree is known by the fruit it bears—whether it is good or bad—so too are individuals recognized by the qualities and actions that flow from their lives. In this context, "fruits" refer to the tangible evidence of one's faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit within an individual.
The Apostle Paul expands on this concept in his letter to the Galatians, where he enumerates the "fruit of the Spirit" as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These virtues are the natural outgrowth of a life surrendered to God and transformed by the Holy Spirit. They stand in contrast to the "works of the flesh," which include behaviors such as hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, and selfish ambition (Galatians 5:19-21).
In evaluating the fruits of an individual, Jesus calls His followers to exercise discernment and wisdom. This discernment is not about passing judgment in a condemnatory sense, but rather about recognizing the genuine from the counterfeit. In the context of Matthew 7, Jesus warns against false prophets—those who outwardly appear righteous but inwardly are corrupt. These individuals may present themselves as sheep, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15).
The ability to discern true spiritual fruit is crucial for the health and integrity of the Christian community. Throughout history, the Church has faced challenges from within and without, often in the form of false teachings and deceptive leaders. The early Church, as recorded in the New Testament, dealt with numerous heresies and false teachers who sought to lead believers astray. The Apostle Peter, in his second epistle, warns believers to be on guard against false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1).
Moreover, the concept of knowing individuals by their fruits extends beyond leaders and prophets to all who profess faith in Christ. It is a call to self-examination and accountability within the community of believers. Each Christian is encouraged to reflect on their own life and the fruits they are producing. Are they exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, or are they characterized by the works of the flesh? This introspection is vital for spiritual growth and maturity.
The teachings of Jesus on this subject also highlight the importance of integrity and authenticity in the Christian life. The Christian faith is not merely about external conformity to a set of rules or rituals, but about an inward transformation that produces outward evidence. The fruits of the Spirit are not self-generated; they are the result of a life connected to Christ, the true vine (John 15:1-8). Jesus emphasizes that apart from Him, believers can do nothing, but in Him, they bear much fruit, bringing glory to God.
In addition to personal reflection, the biblical principle of recognizing individuals by their fruits serves as a guide for communal discernment. In the early Church, leaders were chosen based on their character and the evidence of God's work in their lives. The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral letters, outlines qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing virtues such as being above reproach, self-controlled, hospitable, and able to teach (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). These qualifications reflect the importance of spiritual fruit in leadership.
Furthermore, the principle of discerning fruits is a reminder of the ultimate accountability that all individuals have before God. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7 culminates in a sober warning that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father (Matthew 7:21). This underscores the reality that genuine faith is evidenced by obedience to God's will and the production of good fruit.
In Christian literature, the theme of fruit-bearing and discernment has been explored by various theologians and writers. For instance, in his classic work "The Cost of Discipleship," Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasizes the necessity of a lived-out faith that manifests in concrete actions and ethical living. He challenges believers to embrace costly grace, which demands a response of obedience and transformation.
Similarly, C.S. Lewis, in "Mere Christianity," discusses the transformative power of Christ in the life of a believer, likening it to a house being renovated by God. The changes may be uncomfortable, but they are necessary for producing a life that reflects Christ's character.
In summary, the biblical teaching that "you will know them by their fruits" is a profound principle that calls for discernment, authenticity, and accountability in the Christian life. It emphasizes the importance of inner transformation that results in visible evidence of God's work within an individual. As believers, we are called to examine our own lives, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, and exercise discernment in recognizing true spiritual leaders and teachers. This teaching challenges us to live lives of integrity, bearing good fruit that glorifies God and reflects the character of Christ to the world.
