Written by Rhenana Grimes, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries
Someone once said to me, “Bloom where you’re planted.” I know it was meant to be encouraging, but in that season, I didn’t feel like I was growing much, let alone blooming. Looking back, I can see that what seemed unfruitful was actually a season of pruning, and though it was painful, that process led to deeper spiritual maturity and the ability to bear more lasting fruit.
Growing, blooming, and bearing fruit all require life-sustaining elements. After all, how many of us would plant a seed, tell it to grow, and then walk away?
I’ve come to believe the phrase would sound better as, “Bloom where you’re watered, where there’s good soil, consistent care, and sunlight.” Similarly, bearing fruit for the Kingdom is not a one-time decision with a final outcome, but rather a continual process of remaining connected to the True Vine. This is why Jesus’ words in Matthew are so fundamental to Kingdom living:
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Mt 6:33 ESV)
When our priority is seeking Him first, the focus moves from producing outcomes to remaining where life is supplied, abiding, not striving. Still, we can drift into thinking that bearing fruit or discipleship is our idea, when in truth it has always been His initiative. Jesus calls us to seek Him and to be like Him in service to others, which He models repeatedly. He says, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do just as I have done to you” (Jn 13:14-15).
In the world, obedience is often framed as control, limitation, or restriction, but in the Word, it is an invitation to remain connected to God, thus bearing His image. It’s not about what we are prevented from doing, but what we are free to do, and in abundance! As a society, we are no strangers to laws and rules, but scripture tells us something radically different about the fruit that comes from life in the Spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness self-control, against such things there is no law.” (Gal 5:22-23)
And since the Kingdom of God is not merely a future hope, but a present reality, we as His children accept our citizenship in His Kingdom. We are not simply passive observers, but faithful children, transformed through repentance, living in His love, and bearing fruit that points to Him.
Therefore, bearing fruit matters, as it reveals the reign of Christ in our lives here and now. It is how the unseen Kingdom is visible to a broken world.
When the Kingdom is first, fruit is formed, not forced. It emerges from a sustained connection to the True Vine, becoming the central, foundational, and identifying evidence of a life lived in Christ, holy and set apart. We will be recognized by it.
Since we are known by our fruit, how do we intentionally cultivate the kind of fruit that reflects the posture of our heart?
- Repentance that leads to fruit:
“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Mt 3:8). This begins with honest self-examination and a continual turning towards God, seeking both His righteousness and His Kingdom.
- Abiding in our source of life:
“…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:6b). Proximity matters, remaining rooted in the Word and in relationship with Him, our true source of life.
- Allowing the Father to prune us so that we can bear more fruit:
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb 12:11). It means remaining hopeful, knowing that even seasons of struggle can produce lasting fruit.
- Living in His Kingdom, revealing Christ to others:
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35). As we bear fruit, we glorify the Father and lovingly point others to Him!
Where might God be inviting you to reorder your priorities so that His Kingdom and righteousness come first?
