Fresh Fruit: Seeking Jesus for His Goodness

Fresh fruit is a staple in my household. My son especially loves it! But, one thing this Mama has a hard time with is how quickly fruit rots. I buy so many varieties that by the time we have tried a bit of all, we find rotting has begun with the remainder.

Take a carton of strawberries, for example. Once one has molded, the strawberries that surround it begin to mold as well. Interestingly enough, the opposite side of the strawberry that is touching the non-moldy ones still appears in good condition.

However, it is said that once the mold has begun they are no longer safe to eat and must be thrown out. Even if half of it still appears good, the whole is not considered good to eat.

I pondered the implication of this imagery with the condition of my heart. Imagine, if my heart touches the heart of the world that’s full of sin, I, too, reflect that sin nature.

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”- Romans 3:10-12 (NKJV) [emphasis mine]

But, if my heart touches the heart of God, then I’m healthy, full of goodness, and safe.

“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 15:5 (NLT) [emphasis mine]

On my own I am merely self-righteous or an appearance of good. But given time, one may see the true reflection of a heart that touches a world full of sin is no different.

However, a heart that touches the heart of God produces the fruit of ‘goodness’ by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). And what does this goodness look like? It’s definition says this: uprightness of heart and life.

Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.- Psalms 25:8 (NKJV)

Though, imagine it’s said that, I, too, must be thrown out if my heart has started to decay from touching a world of sin.

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.- John 15:6 (NKJV)

It’s a stark realization. But living for Christ is a wholehearted commitment. It is daily dying to self and surrendering both heart and life to His righteousness.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.- 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

Thank God for His mercy and His grace to accept us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!- Romans 5:17 (NIV)

A life found in Christ is certainly like finding and consuming the freshest fruit. May we continually seek Him and touch hearts with His. For in Him is true goodness— uprightness of heart and life!

---

Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 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 7:17‭-‬20 (NIV)

 

Peace Through the Pain of Your Past

To the one who feels unworthy. You have given your heart and body away to those you’ve loved. Time revealed that they didn’t love you back. Your vulnerability inflicted distrust toward them. Now, you’ve been left feeling dirty, insecure, and unwanted.

To the one who feels shame. It seemed as nothing you ever did was right. You consistently gave someone your all, until you became burnt out. You decided to not bother trying anymore and gave up entirely. Your once charitable heart has left you feeling hardened.

To the one who feels abandoned. You’ve journeyed a long road alone. It seemed as if no one in this world could ever understand your rejection. So, you’ve determined you’re so much better off on your own, you don’t need them anyway.

To the one who feels depressed. You have an emptiness inside. It has seemed as if there’s a hole where your heart should be. You’ve questioned whether or not you truly feel, or if you’ve become numb to all emotions.

To the one who feels abused. You have been beaten and defeated. You may have been hurt physically, mentally, or sexually. You grew to hold grudges and have hard feelings toward many. You can no longer give the benefit of the doubt. You’ve even lost hope in humanity.

Oh, my friend, I know your pain. I have been there- in every single circumstance. I, too, have searched this world high and low for love and acceptance. I’ve been damaged as a result. I, too, have wondered, “Why me?”, “What did I ever do to deserve this?”, “Where can I go from here?”, “When will it ever get better?”, “Who can save me from my pain?”.

Truth be told, searching in this world is searching in all the wrong places. I was always on the lookout for my “Prince Charming“. This left me damaged by the very character I sought after.

Someone who is charming has many good qualities- delightful, likable and pleasant, to name a few. But, there’s a catch. Another quality is that they’re tempting. A tempter entices you to do that which is evil, immoral, sinful.

The bible says the originator of temptation is the devil, Satan. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The tempter came to him..- Matthew 4:1&3 (NIV). Not only is he the tempter, but he is also referred to as “the god of our world“. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe..- 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT). Therefore, searching for love and acceptance, in this world, will only bring about pain leading to sin acts. Thus, making an enemy with God. ..If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.- James 4:4 (NLT). 

I learned to acknowledge that I genuinely needed saving. And, there is only One who paid the ransom for my sins and the sins of others in this world . Jesus Christ was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.- Isaiah 53:5 (NIV).

With my saving came healing. It took me a long time to fully believe this promise. I have since come to the realization that I never needed a “Prince Charming”- for they themselves are virtually lead by the prince of this world. That is why I was so damaged. Instead, I needed the “Prince of Peace“, Jesus. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.- John 16:33 (NLT).

Friend, all that is required is believing and accepting Christ as your Savior. Prayer is simply open communication between you and Him. Admit to Him that you need Him and His gift of salvation. And, trust that He can bring about peace through the pain of your past.

---

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”- Galatians 2:20 (NLT)