Wherefore by their fruits ye will know
them
- Matthew 7:20
What makes others know a Christian, when they see one?
Jesus said that a tree will be known by the fruit it
bears.
Just like a tree, a person is known by the fruits he or she
plays. Now, these are not actual fruits, like an apple or a
pear, but rather spiritual fruits. By these "fruits", one can
tell who serves Christ and who doesn't.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather
grapes of thorns,
or figs of thistles? - Matthew 7:16
Ok! So I can tell a Christian by their words and
actions.
What then, are those fruits?
Simply speaking, the fruits of a Christian are like
those
displayed from Jesus. They are Joy, Peace, Patience,
Gentleness, Goodness, Faith and most of all Love.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness,
goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
- Galatians 5:22,23
I don't get. Some so-called Christians don't display
these qualities.
Are they not all that they claim to be?
In a word, Yes! Although Christians are sinners with
Salvation
and Forgiveness, and will make mistakes, Christians should
ultimately possess the qualities of Jesus. Recall what Jesus
said to the multitude on the mount about fruit bearers...
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves. - Matthew 7:15
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is
hewn down, and cast into the fire.
- Matthew 7:19
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send in my
name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you. - John 14:26