The root of the righteous bears fruit. – Proverbs 12:12
What does the phrase “the beauty of Christ“ bring to mind? Is it the compassion He had for hurting people or the healing He offered to those broken in body and spirit? Does His loveliness represent the wisdom He patiently imparted to seekers of knowledge or the deep friendship He gave to His close companions? A mention of His grace may remind you of the lengths to which He went to minister to the undeserving and the deep sacrifice He made on your behalf. Jesus is the glorious fruit of God’s love, yet He said, “Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do” (John 14:12).
What are the fruits of righteousness in your life? While nothing is perfect here on Earth, God’s goodness abounds wherever it is given the space to flourish and grow. It may look like being kind and gentle in the face of harshness or choosing to help someone who does not “deserve“ your favor. Have you encouraged a friend recently or remained faithful to a relationship going through troubled waters? When you are a follower of Christ, His light will shine through, many times right in the middle of your most complicated relationships!
The United States needs God’s blessing to heal and unite. The Spirit of Christ moving through you is where that healing can take root. Pray for faithful people across the nation to draw close to the Lord, allowing the fruit of His righteousness to blossom and grow in their lives.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 12:12
Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Galatians 5:19-25
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
