Walking with the Wise #107: Saving Souls

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
 

and whoever captures souls is wise.” 

—Proverbs 11:30 

All Christ-followers have the Spirit of God within them. And in the New Testament, we learn about the fruit of the Spirit, which is displayed in our relationships with others:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law”—Galatians 5:22-23.

As Christians, our relationship with Jesus is seen by the fruit we produce. As Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples”—John 15:8.  One aspect of this fruit of the Spirit is seen in our every day walk. Paul captured the essence of this when he said that we are... 

“…the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life”—2 Corinthians 2:15-16.

In other words, people see Jesus in us. And by abiding in Him, or living the life that He desires, we become righteous, and through our righteous living, people see Jesus in us, and want to know and follow Him. That’s why the proverb considers our righteous living a tree of life—others eat of us—they experience Christ’s life pouring out of us.

It is by no mistake that the description of us being a tree of life is directly linked to the next phrase, “and whoever captures souls is wise.” The fruit of righteous living serves to give others life. Righteous living does not just benefit us, but all who come into contact with us. And it is through that contact that people either want to know or have nothing to do with the Savior.

What type of life are you living? Is the fruit of your life a tree of life to others? Can unbelievers smell or taste the person of Christ through their interaction with you? Live for Christ—for it is profitable for everyone. Abide in Him and let His word abide in you, and then let God use your life to reach others for the glory of His great and awesome name. Amen.