Never Forget God’s Blessings by Rev Christopher P Foustoukos

The fruit discloses the cultivation of a tree; so the expression of a thought discloses the cultivation of a person’s mind. (Sirach 27:6)

A tree is meant to bear fruit. But as Sirach reminds us, the quantity and quality of the fruit are determined by the way the tree has been cared for. What kinds of nutrients have fed its roots? How much light has shone down upon its leaves.

Like the Old Testament writer, Christ tells his disciples that every tree is known by its own fruit. But Jesus also says: “A good person out of the store of goodness in his or her heart produces good.” That means what you put into the storehouse of your heart and mind, what you take in to nourish yourself, eventually flows out from you for better or worse.

You might ask yourself... How can I fill the store- house of my heart with good? How can I nourish and cultivate myself so that I can bear the good fruit I was created to bear?

There are some obvious answers to these questions. Regular prayer can help you set down deep roots in the Lord. Committing Scripture to memory can create an environment of blessing and faith that will help you produce good fruit.

But there is another not-so-obvious answer: your relationships with other brothers and sisters in Christ. People who share your faith can be a great help in nourishing your hearts and soul. Brothers and sisters with whom you can pray can lift you up. People with whom you can join in serving the less fortunate can help you bear the fruit of com- passion. Friends who speak words of encouragement can help you steer clear of gossip, resentment, or bitterness.

Above all, never forget God’s blessings. It is God Himself who created you to bear good fruit. He wants to fill you and enable your words to reveal His goodness and love and He wants to use your friends to help you as well! Lord help me bear good fruit!

+Father Chris