You might have figured out by now that I’m a Christian. That means I trust that Jesus died for my sins and has redeemed me. Because He did, His Spirit lives in my spirit. And one day, I’ll step into eternity and live forever with God.
I also believe the Bible is the infallible Word of God. I didn’t say I understood everything in there, but I keep reading and asking God to help me understand and focus on what He wants.
Fruit
In Galatians 5:22-23, it says that the result of being God’s child (having His Spirit) is that I will reflect the fruit of His Spirit:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
Wariness
Matthew 7:15-16 refers to being wary of false prophets, and we will know them by their fruits. I believe that applies to every person. In other words, we show who we are by our actions and words.
Truth
I’m not perfect in any way. I’m on my life journey. And sometimes I reflect the qualities listed above more effectively than I do other times.
But I have noticed that there is one trait missing from the list. Truth.
Among other things, John 14:6 says Jesus is the Truth (the source of truth).
So as I consider all of these verses, I come to the following conclusions:
— God has given me His Spirit, and He expects me to reflect the fruit of His Spirit
— I’m not the One who is the Source of Truth
Which means that in every aspect of life, including social media, God expects me to reflect the beautiful characteristics noted above. Not proclaim the truth I think I know about events I didn’t witness or conversations I didn’t hear.
It’s prudent to be informed about current events and the world. And then run all my thoughts past God and ask Him to help me know what He wants me to know.
And part of that prudence is to remember if someone is claiming to speak truth and they aren’t reflecting the fruit of the Spirit…
Be wary.
What helps you discern the truth?
Wariness, Fruit, and Truth – What helps you discern the truth? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.