By: Luisa Mayer

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

Matthew 7:18-20

Just before the scripture about good and bad fruit, Jesus used the example of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Back then, the wolf was the most common predator, and its image was used to symbolize humans who hurt others. I know none of us want to hurt others, but honestly, sometimes it happens. Are we mindful of how we react and behave? Just like our children watch us and take note, those that know we are Christians are doing the same. 

There is a lot going on in the world today that can easily separate us, even in the church. How are we reacting to things in our life? 

Last week, my husband and I celebrated our 30th anniversary! Our children shared with us how we have impacted them to be “good fruit” by the way we handled things in our life. Now they are adults, and they will keep us accountable. I can recall a situation where something wasn’t right, and when I went to address it, my son stopped me before I went up and said, “Mom, don’t be a Karen!” I replied, “Honey, I can be nice and right a wrong.” 

How do you handle situations that upset or frustrate you? Maybe something was said or happened at church, the hot topic of politics came up or something big happened in your life. Are we talking about it negatively to friends or posting on social media, or are we taking it to God and asking Him to help us show good fruit even in the bad situations?

Recently, I had a situation that I could have handled better. I was not happy about an event that was changed, and was told they couldn’t tell me why at the time. I asked God to help me process this calmly, and not get upset because I was sad. I couldn’t understand why the change was made, and after a few days I followed up with questions. Well, more like I came up with solutions to get my way. Haha! Anyone like me? Once I was given more information, I understood and realized the decision was made with wisdom.

Have you been in a similar situation? Maybe you are in one now. Do you feel like it’s too much, and you have to say your peace?

Have you prayed and taken it to God, and asked him to help you be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”? (James 1:19) When James wrote that, there was a lot going on in the land, and people were wanting to respond in the wrong way. 

If we follow that verse, do what is right and sacrifice our flesh, we will be keeping peace and serving God. If we choose not to, who will we be hurting and who are we serving?

I know I can do better by praying, inviting the Holy Spirit in and listening. 

I pray you will as well.