Beyond: Day 5

“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit.”

John 15:8 NRSV

Thought

What does it mean to bear fruit? It is impossible to bear fruit without growth. If that which is planted fails to thrive, it does not blossom with the beauty of its produce. As with a ripe crop, when you grow, slowly you move beyond the horizon of your own grief toward the harvest of life in all its glorious goodness. Expect a great and bounteous harvest from the cultivation of grief.

Prayer

God, grief is slow growth. I pray that you are glorified by the fruit of my life as it is cultivated and enriched by grief. Amen.

Assurance

My effort to grow and bear fruit glorifies God.