As believers, we are often reminded of the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all areas of our lives, including our relationships and marriages. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus teaches us to beware of false prophets and to know them by their fruits. This principle can also be applied to our relationships, particularly when it comes to selecting a life partner. In this sermon, we will explore the biblical principle of knowing someone by their fruits and how to apply it when testing a potential marriage partner.
In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus teaches us to beware of false prophets and to know them by their fruits. He says, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." This passage emphasizes that we can know someone's true character by the fruit they produce.
When it comes to selecting a life partner, it is essential to apply the principle of knowing someone by their fruits. This means paying attention to the fruit they produce in their life, including their words, actions, and behaviors. Here are some ways to apply this principle:
1. Observe Their Words: Observe the words your potential partner speaks. Do they speak words of kindness, compassion, and encouragement, or do they speak words of criticism, judgment, and condemnation?
2. Observe Their Actions: Observe the actions of your potential partner. Do they demonstrate a commitment to serving others, or do they prioritize their own interests and desires?
3. Observe Their Behaviors
: Observe the behaviors of your potential partner. Do they demonstrate self-control, patience, and kindness, or do they exhibit anger, bitterness, and resentment?
4. Observe Their Relationships: Observe the relationships your potential partner has with others. Do they demonstrate a commitment to building healthy, positive relationships, or do they prioritize their own interests and desires?
5. Observe Their Spiritual Life: Observe the spiritual life of your potential partner. Do they demonstrate a commitment to following Jesus Christ and living according to His teachings, or do they prioritize their own interests and desires?
Practical Ways to Test a Potential Marriage Partner
1. Spend Time with Them in Different Contexts: Spend time with your potential partner in different contexts, such as in social settings, in church, and in everyday life.
2. Observe How They Treat Others: Observe how your potential partner treats others, including their family, friends, and strangers.
3. Ask for References: Ask for references from people who know your potential partner well, such as friends, family members, or spiritual leaders.
4. Seek God's Guidance and Wisdom: Seek God's guidance and wisdom in your decision-making process, asking Him to reveal any potential red flags or concerns.
5. Trust Your Instincts and Inner Witness: Trust your instincts and inner witness, recognizing that God may be warning you about potential issues or concerns.
Knowing someone by their fruits is a biblical principle that can be applied to our relationships, particularly when it comes to selecting a life partner. By observing the fruit someone produces in their life, we can gain insight into their true character and potential for a healthy, positive relationship. May we seek to apply this principle in our own lives, trusting God to guide and direct us in our decision-making process.
