A TREE OF LIFE
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.
Proverbs 11:30 (NIV)
I picture a tree that gives shade, fruit and strength to everything around it. God says that when our lives are rooted in Him, we become that kind of tree. Our actions, words and character can refresh weary souls and point others toward life.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that the people who most inspired my faith weren’t always the loudest or most knowledgeable. They were steady. They were kind. They loved well, even when life was hard. Watching how they lived made me want to know the God who gave them peace and purpose. That’s what Proverbs means by the fruit of the righteous. It’s a life that naturally draws people toward Jesus because His presence overflows from within us.
When I think about it, most people around us aren’t reading the Bible. They’re reading us. They’re watching how we handle pressure, disappointment and conflict. They see whether our faith shapes our choices or just decorates our words. When our hearts are right with God, our lives begin to speak for Him long before we ever say a word.
Sharing our faith isn’t about forcing conversations or having all the answers. It’s about being available, listening and letting the Holy Spirit guide us. Wisdom means knowing both what to say and when to stay quiet. Sometimes it’s a simple act of kindness that opens the door for someone to see Jesus in us.
I have to remind myself that the fruit God grows in me isn’t for me. A tree doesn’t eat its own fruit; it exists to bless others. In the same way, our walk with Christ is meant to nourish those around us. When we live in step with Him, people begin to notice something different: peace that doesn’t make sense, joy that lasts, and love that heals. That’s what it means to be a tree of life.
Let’s live in such a way that our faith becomes irresistible. Not because of what we say, but because of who we are becoming in Christ and the living evidence of His transforming grace.
APPLICATION: Ask God to help you bear fruit that blesses others. Think about whether your words, actions and attitude point people to Jesus. Pray for wisdom to know how to share His love in your everyday relationships.
PRAYER: Father, let my life be a tree of life that refreshes and strengthens others. Help me bear fruit that reflects Your goodness and grace. Give me wisdom to know how to share Your truth in every moment. Use me to lead people from darkness into the light of Jesus. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?