Each tree has its own special kind of fruit. An apple tree has apples. A cherry tree has cherries, a peach tree has peaches.  I’m sure you get the picture, or maybe are at least getting hungry for some fruit. Hah!  Eating good fruit helps to sustain a healthy physical body. But only the Tree of Life can give us life!  This Tree of Life is Jesus. In Him we find all the power needed to give us life and sustain our lives; both spiritually and physically. 

Just as our natural body cannot survive and be strong and healthy very long without proper natural nutrition neither can our spirit survive and be strong unless we have proper spiritual nutrition from the Word of God. Our spiritual food comes from reading the Bible, praying, and fellowship with our Savior and Lord.  

The first mention of the tree of life is in Genesis 2:9 where God placed it in the Garden of Eden, along with the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  Therefore, we must conclude that God wants us to have life, and, that He wants us to know the difference between good and evil.  It doesn’t take rocket science for us to figure out that since the Bible is the written Word of God, we must know His Word to really know what that difference is between good and evil. 

In many of today’s cultures people call evil good and good evil.  But the Bible clearly states in Isaiah 5:20, Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness. Then verse 21 says, woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. This denotes that kind of thinking causes a person to think more highly of themselves than they should; justifying themselves before men instead of God.  Luke 16:15 teaches: that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.  It’s only when we stay in constant connection with the Tree of Life – Jesus – that we will exhibit the fruit of righteousness. (Proverbs 11:30) To me that means, we will speak and act like Jesus. Our motives will be like His, and we will pray as Jesus did. 

The evidence of having the Tree of Life-Jesus in our heart will be seen by others in many different aspects of our lives.

By the love we have for one another; as He love us. (John 13:34) This love of His is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5)

We will be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32) We will speak truth in love so we can help each other grow up spiritually (Ephesians 4:15)

Our answers will be soft so as to not stir up anger; and our words wholesome. (Proverbs 15:1 and 4) Wholesome meaning healthy, promoting spiritual, mental and bodily health and well-being. 

When we are committed to do His commandments, we will have the right to the benefits of Tree of Life. (Revelation 22:14) These benefits include healing, prosperity, and peace of mind, because as God’s children we are joint-heirs with Jesus.  (Romans 8:17) Jesus was never sick; He healed the sick. He was not poor; He gave to the poor. 

So, I challenge you this week to search your heart, look for ways to exhibit the fruit of righteousness which is produced by the Tree of Life-Jesus.  The closer our fellowship with Him, the more of His fruit will be evident in our lives.