Principle 2: Changing the fruit is impossible without changing the root
Roots are powerful and they seem to evidence their DNA even when we don't want them to. We may really dislike the fruit, but it just seems to keep on growing.
My friend, the sour fruit of defensiveness has been one of the most distasteful that has blossomed and left a pungent taste in our marriage. I tried to pray that fruit away. I confessed that fruit as sin and repented. I tried to will it away, and it just seemed to be a die-hard fruit!
How do Hosea 9:16 and Matthew 7:17-18 reveal the relationship of roots and fruit?
Hosea 9:16 (New International Version)
16 Ephraim is blighted,
their root is withered,
they yield no fruit.
Even if they bear children,
I will slay their cherished offspring.”
Matthew 7:17-18 (New International Version)
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.
If your root is withered you will bear NO fruit.
ReplyDeleteand bad root/ bad fruit OR good root/ good fruit.
If your roots are dried up, you will bear no fruit.
ReplyDeleteA healthy tree produces good fruit and an unhealthy tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can't produce bad fruit and a bad tree can't produce good fruit