Fruit That Lasts
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you”—John 15:16
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Fruitfulness, translated into today’s terminology, is often termed productivity, evidence of an increase, and results in our work. It’s what many jobs require as proof of our effort and time, showing how productive we’ve been with the various work responsibilities we’re assigned.
In garden terms, fruitfulness is evident in the blooms that appear and bear fruit, like the popular phrase seen in memes and cards encouraging us to “Bloom where you are planted.”
This inspiring quote is attributed to Saint Francis de Sales, who lived in the late 1500s and early 1600s, and shared this sentiment in his writings, encouraging fruitfulness in the lives of his followers.
Businesses and even churches look at the fruitfulness of our efforts and work, determining whether we are fruitful enough to be part of their teams.
But God is looking beyond quick results that, in eternity’s calendar, don’t last. He desires lasting fruit, choosing and appointing us to be the ones to bear it for His purposes and glory. As Isaiah 55:8 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
Fruit that lasts takes time, and comes through believing God, studying His word, applying it to our lives, walking in His principles, and sharing the Gospel with those who don’t know Christ.
As well as planting and watering God’s word in others so they grow in their faith, as the Apostle Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 3:7-9, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
It is also cultivated through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and selfless service to others. As Galatians 5:22-23 describes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Father, my heart is grateful and deeply moved to be chosen and appointed by You to bear fruit that brings You glory and honor. Help me to accomplish Your plans and purposes on earth. Lead me this week to plant and water so that You may cause growth in me and in others. Encourage me to look to You daily to direct my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. When you think of spiritual fruitfulness, what comes to your mind?
2. Do you know someone who you consider spiritually fruitful in their Christian life? If so, what evidence or actions cause you to believe that?
3. Are you being spiritually fruitful in your life, as God has chosen and appointed you to be? If not, ask Him to help you by directing your steps and daily leading you so that you bear lasting fruit for His purposes and glory. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImagese/SergioYoneda
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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Originally published Sunday, 13 September 2026.
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