True faith produces fruit.

You can call yourself a Christian, but it’s by fruit that true faith is known.

We don’t need to try really hard to pretend we’re Christians. No matter how hard a banana tree tries to produce apples, it can’t... It's a banana tree.

So no matter how hard we try on our own to be good Christians, we can’t. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing. But when we are “in Christ,” the fruit of His Spirit appears. And by its fruit, true faith is known. We did not and do not choose Him. He chose us and appointed us to bear fruit. And not just any kind of fruit but this kind of fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

A vibrant, thriving relationship with Jesus is key to producing these fruits in your life. When we abide in Christ, and believe we are who God says we are, a correct view of self emerges. As it does, the way we relate to others changes too. Our relationships grow healthier, and our lives continually bear more “fruit.”

As it says in an old hymn:

Faith clings to Jesus’ work alone

And rests in Him unceasing;

And by its fruits true faith is known,

With love and hope increasing.

By faith alone we’re justified;

Works serve the neighbour and supply

The proof that faith is living.