Did you know the gospel is a living thing? The gospel is like a plant that bears fruit. But just where exactly is the gospel bearing fruit? Answer; in our hearts, in our souls, in our spirit.
Because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. Colossians 1:5-6
Our hearts are like gardens, with unlimited potential to grow whatever is planted and cultivated in them.
When someone tastes the grace of the gospel and understands it, allowing it to take root in the soil of their heart, it will grow into a life-enriching vine. This vine is actually the vine of Christ Himself.
Imagine if we could see the current state of a person’s heart. I believe the picture we would see is a garden. The state of that garden will vary from person to person. One may have the most beautiful fruits and flowers, while another may have terrible thorns and thistles choking up the good plants. The hope found in the gospel is that even the most unattended garden, full of weeds, has the hope to start again. Let the gardener of our soul (God) begin to work and cultivate our garden. Surrender to his grace and care. Let him bring in the proper nutrients, water, and sun.
Let him pull the weeds.
What you will find is Jesus is the master gardener. He is highly aware and knowledgeable of his craft. You will start to bear extraordinary and wild fruit by simply surrendering to the grace found in Christ Jesus, ever surrendering to the Gardeners care.
Christianity is NOT self-help. Christianity is surrender.
You will find God inside of you. His Spirit nourishing you. Jesus Christ teaching you.
You will begin to patiently, gently, and powerfully see transformation begin from the inside out.
It all starts in our hearts. The slow growth takes place on the inside. And in time, in love, in patience, you will bear extraordinary fruits of God. Love is the chief of fruits.