Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work

In Colossians 1:10 we read: "that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God".

I like to ponder what 'bearing fruit in every good work' really means. I think it indicates that we can do some good works while not bearing fruit. And when we think of what spiritual fruit entails (Galatians 5:22: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control), we realize that just doing good may not be good enough.

Bearing fruit in every good work does not equal (for example): serving my spouse while angry, resentful, impatient, accusing, blaming or bitter.

But it might be: serving my spouse/others with joy, patience, kindness, gentleness and forbearance.

We can DO lots of 'good works' that bear no fruit. I can speak the truth without love, say what ISN'T helpful for the edification of those around me. I can follow duty without following the ROYAL law of love (See James 2). I can speak words that aren't healing, but hurting...

OR,

I can harness my tongue and let God do the teaching (that so often when I do it, is an effort to prove something, point out something that may be hurtful or to exercise control or influence in a situation).
I can serve others quietly, cheerfully, patiently even when I can see faults in them. I can lay these observations aside (the critical ones), realizing their faults and failures are really God's business, not mine.

And if I have acted sinfully, unkindly, joylessly with judgement and blaming, I can go back and apologize for my poor attitude. In such an apology I can leave out excuses and reminders and accusations of how the other was indirectly responsible for my poor attitude. I can leave out explanations of their failures. And I can repent before him/her, knowing that godly repentance differs from worldly remorse.

I can see my sinful attitude for what it is: an affront to the holiness of God who sent His perfect Son to redeem our wretchedness. The One Who had every right to accuse, but instead took on the full weight and responsibility for our sin and didn't point the accusing finger - bravely facing the consequences of our sin for us. And we are called to be like Him - 'little Christ's' - who forgive, love, serve and yet are filled with humility and joy.