September 21: Fruit That Matches the Words
You’ve changed. You know it. You’re sober, you’re praying, you’re going to meetings. But some people still don’t believe you. Why not?
“Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”
John the Baptist didn’t let people off easy. When crowds came out to be baptized, he told them to bear fruit worthy of repentance. Don’t just say you’ve changed. Show it. And when they asked what that looked like, he got specific. Share your extra coat. Don’t take more than you’re owed. Don’t cheat people.
Repentance means turning around. But a turn isn’t real until it shows up in what you do. Fruit is the evidence.
People who were hurt by your drinking may need to see fruit before they believe you. That’s fair. They heard promises before. Words alone won’t convince them. Changed behavior over time will.
Restitution is part of that fruit. If you took something, you give it back. If you broke something, you replace it. If you damaged someone’s reputation, you set the record straight. If you owe money, you make a plan to pay. That’s the concrete side of Step Nine. It’s not just feeling sorry. It’s repairing.
Some restitution is simple. Returning a borrowed tool. Paying back a small loan. Some is complicated and needs careful thought with a sponsor or pastor, especially where money, the law or other people’s lives are involved.
But don’t let the complicated ones stop you from doing the simple ones. Look at your list. Is there anything you can give back this week? Something small you’ve been putting off? Do it.
Notice that John’s answers were ordinary. He didn’t tell the tax collectors to quit their jobs or the soldiers to leave the army. He told them to do their work honestly. Fruit grows right where you already are.
The fruit doesn’t have to be impressive. It has to be real. Over time, real fruit speaks louder than any promise you could make.
One thing today
Find one thing on your list you can give back or repair this week. Something simple. Make a plan and do it.
A prayer
Lord, I don’t want to just say I’ve changed. I want my life to show it. Help me bear fruit that matches my words. Show me what I can give back today. Amen.
Making restitution is a big part of Step Nine.
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