Direct Answer
God is pleased with real fruit at any stage, and He keeps working to bring more of it. His delight in a beginner and His desire for growth both flow from the love the Father has for fruit in our lives.
Support from the Message
- Bill points out that Jesus names a hundredfold, sixtyfold and thirtyfold, and that all of these were fruit. - He says there are different levels of fruit that are acceptable to God. - He says a beginning Christian who is learning to practice righteousness is someone God is excited about and pleased with. - He calls that early fruit a promise that there is more to come, with God continuing to work with us. - He still urges each person to bear as much fruit as possible in whatever situation they are in.
Discussion Follow-up
Do you tend to see God as impossible to satisfy or as easy to ignore? Which truth about His character do you most need to hear right now?