Bearing Fruit: The Call to Repentance

"Repentance isn’t just about avoiding judgment. It’s about actually becoming who God calls us to be."

Jesus’ message in Luke 13:1-9 is a wake-up call. Repentance isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Instead of pointing fingers at others and assuming suffering is some kind of punishment from God, Jesus flips the script. He tells us to look at our own hearts. Life is unpredictable. Tragedy reminds us that we don’t have unlimited time to get things right with God. So instead of pushing off change for “someday,” Jesus calls us to turn to God now, letting Him shape us into the people He created us to be.

Then there’s the parable of the barren fig tree. It’s a powerful picture of both God’s patience and His expectation for growth. The landowner comes looking for fruit, and when he finds nothing, he’s ready to cut the tree down. But the gardener steps in, asking for more time to nurture it. That’s grace. That’s God giving us chance after chance. But let’s be clear—the tree doesn’t have forever. God is patient, but He’s not indifferent. Repentance isn’t just about feeling bad for messing up. It’s about realignment—actually living in a way that produces something real. Love. Justice. Mercy. Faithfulness. The things that show we’re not just existing but truly following Jesus.

And this isn’t just about us as individuals—it’s about the church too. Are we bearing fruit, or are we just taking up space? Faith that doesn’t lead to action is like a tree that never produces anything meaningful. God calls us to step up, to be active in His kingdom, to live in a way that brings healing, hope, and justice to the world. Repentance isn’t just about avoiding judgment. It’s about stepping fully into the life God wants for us—one that actually bears fruit and reflects His grace in everything we do.