Living LifeWise: Parable of the SowerSample

My college years were a time when I was deeply focused on growing spiritually. I was reading my Bible daily, attending church regularly, reading theological books, and participating in a small group through an on-campus ministry. Despite my efforts, I felt like something was missing. I wasn’t seeing the kind of transformation I expected. My relationships—particularly within my family—were still strained. I struggled with selfishness and resentment.

One day, during a conversation with a close friend over coffee, she gently pointed out that while I was committed to spiritual practices, I wasn’t allowing the truth of God’s Word to truly change me. I was hearing the Word but not fully understanding it in a way that led to bearing fruit. It was a wake-up call.

I had been focusing on the outward actions of my faith without letting the truth of the gospel take deep root in my heart. The fruit of the Spirit wasn’t evident in my life because I wasn’t allowing God’s truth to shape my character. I began to pray specifically for the Holy Spirit to cultivate love, joy and peace in me. I sought to live out the truth I was learning, not just in what I did but in who I was becoming.

Over time, I noticed a shift. I became more patient, more compassionate and more loving in my interactions with others. The truth of God’s Word was beginning to bear fruit in my life, as Jesus described. It wasn’t just about head knowledge or routine but about heart transformation.

In Matthew 13:23, Jesus explained that the seed falling on good soil in the parable of the sower represents those who hear and understand the Word, leading to a life that produces a bountiful crop. It’s not enough to hear or even understand God’s Word intellectually; we must allow it to penetrate our hearts and bear fruit in our lives. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is evidence that we are living in the truth, allowing God’s Word to shape our character and actions.

Jesus is the Sower who shared the truth about God’s kingdom. His followers continue to share the truth today, and those who understand and accept the gospel become more like Jesus.

Reflect: Focus on the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. Consider what it means to live like Jesus, bearing fruit in response to His love for you.

• Do you understand the gospel and love Jesus?
• How has your life changed since you first trusted in Jesus?
• Who do you know that exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit?

Pray: Ask God to make your heart receptive to His Word. Pray that the gospel will take deep root and produce the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Ask God to transform you to reflect Jesus and bring glory to His name.