TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Matthew 7:15-20

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

While it’s easy to profess faith with our words, our actions reveal the true condition of our hearts. We can always pretend, but God knows what’s in our hearts. We can say all good things, but our actions and even our thoughts, especially if no one is looking, show what is really in our hearts.

Jesus warns us to be discerning, for there will be those who come among us claiming to speak for God but whose hearts are far from Him. These individuals may appear righteous on the outside but inwardly are driven by selfish motives and destructive intentions.

Just as a tree is known by its fruit, our lives are known by the actions we produce. If our hearts are truly aligned with God, our behavior will reflect that alignment. Conversely, if our hearts are focused on self-interest or worldly desires, our actions will betray our true allegiance.

This principle serves as a reminder for us all: our behavior, especially in private when no one else is watching, is a powerful indicator of what and whom we truly love. It’s not enough to merely profess faith; our lives must bear witness to the reality of our relationship with God.

 

PRAYER