The Fruit We Bear 

   We are to be evangelists, to spread the good news of the gospel.  However, most of us do not have a podium or platform from which to preach God’s word.  That is probably a good thing, since most don’t have the wisdom or the presence to effectively proclaim His word.  So then, how are we to evangelize -- by the fruit we bear.

   Our priest often says that he would prefer to see a sermon than to hear one.  What he means is that our actions, the way we live our life, is a far more effective means of evangelization than words alone.  Our faith must be reflected in all we do if we are to effectively spread the word of God.  As St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.”

   Scripture tells us, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of the Father in heaven.” (Matt 7: 21).  In the language of today, “words are cheap”.  We must not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk.

   If we live our lives so that others can plainly see the love of God within us, it will speak well of our faith.  Perhaps they will look at us, see the peace and love of God in us and say, “I want what they have in my life.”  We will have done well.

   However, if we don’t live what we preach; if our words aren't backed up by our actions others will say, “All Christians are hypocrites.”  We will have produced bad fruit and we are doing the work of Satan.

   “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.  For every tree is known by its own fruit” (Luke 6: 43 – 44).  The fruit we bear must be good fruit.  Our faith must be reflected in our words and proven by our actions.