What then is the spiritual significance of fruit? May we not say that fruit is the expression of Christ in the believer? We read in Galatians 5:22–23, that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” What is this, however, but a beautiful description of Christ as He passed through this world in humiliation? Hence, if such fruit is seen in believers, it will result in the reproduction of Christ in His people. Christ personally has gone from this scene, but it is God’s intention that Christ characteristically should still be seen in those that are Christ’s. Christ in Person has gone to the Father’s house; Christ in character is continued in His people on earth.

Fruit is not exactly the exercise of gift, nor service, nor work. We are indeed exhorted “to walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work” (Col. 1:10). This passage, while showing how closely fruit-bearing is linked with good works, yet clearly distinguishes between them. The good works are to be done in such a Christlike manner that, in the works that benefit man, there will be found fruit acceptable to God. The natural man can do very many good works, but in such works there will be found no fruit for God. If service and work were fruit, it would largely be limited to those who possess gift and ability; but if fruit is the character of Christ then indeed it becomes a possibility, as well as a privilege, for every believer, from the oldest to the youngest, to bear fruit.

Who that loves Christ, and admires the perfections of the One who is altogether lovely, would not desire to exhibit, in some measure, His graces, and thus bring forth fruit?