Sermon On The Mount: Part 40

Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit. A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration]. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. Galatians 5:22-23

Jesus tells us to beware of false prophets and that we will know who is of Him and who is against Him by the fruit of that person. Remember that Jesus is our Vine and that we are His branches, and it is the Vine that determines the Fruit. So if the person who says that they are of God is not kind, gentle, patient, forbearing, gentle, and loving towards people, especially wicked intentional and willful sinners, then they are not of God.

Jesus hurled no accusations at the adulterous woman, He did however run off the religious wolves from her. Jesus did not condemn the 9 lepers who did not thank Him for their healing. Jesus forgave those who killed Him, even though they were willfully killing Him. Jesus is our Vine and the only ones who He ever really publicly went after were the religious leaders who did not have the Holy Spirits Fruit.

In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17