BEARING FRUIT
A Bible Study Based on John 15:1-5; Colossians 2:7;
Galatians 5:22-23; Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus . . .” (Heb. 12:2 NIV).
LOVE – He “loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20 NIV).
Do I love my readers? Is love my motivating force?
How much of myself do I give them?
What about loving my editors, especially the ones who reject my manuscript?
Loving people who make demands on my time, who take me from my work?
JOY – “For the joy set before him [Jesus] endured the cross . . .” (Heb. 12:2 NIV).
Is my joy dependent on acceptances, praise, success?
Do I rejoice in taking up my cross (Mk. 8:34-35), or look for easier ways to serve the Lord?
PEACE – “‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you’” (Jn. 14:27 NIV). We never see Jesus up-tight even when demands on him were so great that “he couldn’t even find time to eat” (Mk. 3:20 TLB). See Col. 3:15.
Do I have his peace when I’m interrupted?
When I’m facing a deadline or blank sheet of paper?
When doors do not open for my work?
PATIENCE – “Think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him” (Heb. 12:3 TLB); his patience on the night he was betrayed when even his disciples did not yet understand who he was (see Jn. 14:4-11).
Am I learning to wait patiently on the Lord?
How patient am I with editors, family members, myself?
KINDNESS – “Because of his kindness you have been saved” (Eph. 2:8 TLB).
Do people (editors, family, friends) see Christ in me?
Am I gracious?
GOODNESS – “He went around doing good . . .” (Acts 10:38 TLB).
Greek – agathos describes that which “being good in its character . . . is beneficial in its effect.”*
Is my writing benefitting my readers?
How can I “do good” with my writing?
FAITHFULNESS – He has enriched us, gifted us, strengthened us, called us, and is faithful (see 1 Cor. 1:5-9).
Am I being faithful to him?
Am I using the gifts he has given me?
GENTLENESS – “‘I am gentle and humble . . .’” (Mt. 11:29 TLB).
Greek – meekness, prautes: closely linked with humility, a fruit of power not weakness, not fighting against God, the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest.*
Have I argued with the Lord lately?
Am I on an ego trip?
SELF CONTROL – Jesus responded. He did not react. He was always in control of his feelings, words, actions (see Mk. 3).
How much self-control did I exercise the last time something or someone irritated me?
What about my self-discipline?
Do I daily relinquish control of my life to the Lord?
*From Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.
© 1997, 2010 Marlene Bagnull
You can download this study as a one-page PDF from http://colorado.writehisanswer.com/writershelps/ as well as other free resources. A new resource is added every Saturday.
Write His Answer 
This really spoke to me today. Thank you for faithfully writing His answer. I always appreciate your advice on writing and your book “Write His Answer” has been a great encouragement to me over the past year.
And thank you for your encouragement, Rebecca, and your blog.
I love how you brought this beautiful piece of Scripture alongside a writing ministry, Marlene – the deeper fruit we need stirred up within . . . at all times. Perfect reminder!
Reblogged this on S.E.R.V.A.N.T. Sisters and commented:
Marlene Bagnull is an author for the writer, her devotional, Write His Answer, is one of the best out there. This post about bearing fruit really spoke to me, and I know it will bless you as well. Check it out!