Luke 13:8–9: “But he answered and said to him, `Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.'”

February 24th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Jesus told a parable of a fig tree that was not producing fruit, even after several years. The owner of the vineyard wanted the tree cut down, but the gardener wanted to give it one more year, during which time he would nurture the tree so that it might produce fruit. This illustration provides an interesting picture of the intercession of God the Son and the patience of God the Father in our lives.

A farmer isn’t going to let a fruit tree that isn’t producing fruit take up space in his orchard; he isn’t trying to grow leaves but fruit. God is also looking for spiritual fruit in His children’s lives, but as with fruit trees, it may take time for a believer’s life to produce fruit, with some requiring more cultivation than others. Many have the expectation that once someone is saved, there will be an instant bumper crop of spiritual fruit, but it usually takes several seasons before we can expect lasting fruit to grow.

Once a person comes to Jesus Christ, God expects us to come alongside and nurture them in their relationship with Him. We can’t just plant a tree and expect fruit without additional work. Patiently and loving nurturing our brothers and sisters in the Lord will not only strengthen their relationship with God, but ours as well.

“Thank you, LORD, that You are the patient Gardener and that You do not give up on us. Help us to help You produce fruit this day.”