By Dave Benner
As every member should know, the theme for this year is “Bearing Fruit for God.” Today, I want to focus on one way we can bear fruit, bearing the fruit of the lips.
In Hebrews 13:15, we read, “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of the lips that give thanks to His name.” I think it is obvious that when we sing praises to God or when we pray, we are producing the fruit of the lips.
I see a special message here for husbands and fathers. We need to make sure our wives and children witness our fruit of the lips. Let’s not have them wonder if we love God or want to be more like Jesus. We need to sing praises to God even if it is only during services and even if it is a “joyful noise.” Also, let’s lead prayers in the home. It is part of being the spiritual leader.
But let us consider another way we can produce fruit from our lips. Proverbs 25:11 states, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Scholars agree that the Hebrew word for fitly means “in just the right way.” I think it also implies a word spoken at just the right time. The result is compared to fine, beautiful jewelry. In other words, it is a beautiful thing.
When we encourage other Christians with the right words at the right time, we are bearing fruit with our lips. The Bible says we are to encourage one another with our words and actions. This is not only in happy times but sad times too. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).
Let’s make sure our words are fitly spoken. We need to use good judgment and give some thought to our communications, to both brethren and others.