Abundant Living - GlobalReach.org

C h r i s t i a n C h a r a c t e r29Christ to this sinful and lost world. People need to see Himthrough the lives of Christians. When they take notice of ourprofession to be Christians, we may become the only Bible thatmany of them will ever “read.”A life given to Christ expresses to others the kind of love Hehas for them. When I am an expression of Christ, my ears willhear their cries, my eyes will see their needs, my feet will takeme to help them, and my hands will reach out to care for them.In this way I will become a channel of the life of Christ. He willminister to them through me. Are you a channel of the life ofChrist? Does He minister to others through you?2. Fruit-bearing is an evidence of discipleship. Jesus saidthat we should bear “much fruit,” thus showing that we areHis disciples (John 15:8). He pointed out that every studentwho has been fully trained is like his teacher (Luke 6:40). Thismeans that it is not enough simply to accept Him so that youcan say, “See, I am a Christian!” He wants you to bear muchfruit. If you do this, it is proof that you have truly learned ofHim, that you are His disciple. It shows that you have takensteps beyond the first one of being born again and receivingChrist. It demonstrates that Christ really is the Lord of your life.3. Fruit-bearing blesses other people. First it blesses thosewho receive benefit from the manifestation of Christ’s characterin your life, and it also blesses fellow believers who observespiritual fruit in you.4. Fruit-bearing brings glory to God. Jesus said, “‘This isto my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit’” (John 15:8).Bearing spiritual fruit is the result of the abundant life. Whenyou allow the life of Christ to be expressed through you, peoplewill see the effects it produces and will give praise to God(Matthew 5:16).