James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Many proclaim to have faith. But it is more religion that faith. Religion tries to emulate fruit – but true faith is fruit. Real fruit (Gal.5:22…) impacts the one who has the benefits of eating it. But fake plastic fruit – no matter how good the impression is – does not impact anyone other than appearance only. Its value really is small and weak. Ever noticed that a plastic set of fruit gets dusty? It is only when you pick it up and have the expectation of “real” fruit that you realize that it is not. So it is when dealing with a merely religious person that they really CAN’T help you or LOVE you the way that it would appear.
The same is so true of fake believers. They want to emulate fruit by their own power and religious affiliations thinking that perhaps God will find that acceptable – but He will not. Judgement is for the fakers! (Matt. 7:15-23)
Real fruit – that comes from the Holy Spirit – is found in Gal. 5. I have a question for those who may be reading this…
Does a fruit tree strain to bear fruit? Well… no of course. Then neither does a true believer. It is the byproduct of the Holy Spirit.
What kind of fruit tree are you? Be honest – and repent and ask God to grant you true fruit that come from His dwelling within you.