Cheryl Schatz

Jesus always spoke the truth because Jesus IS the truth.  Jesus said that bad fruit does not come from a good tree and good fruit does not come from a bad tree.  What we know from Jesus’ words is that there is not a mixture of fruit.  If someone lives a life marked by the deeds of the flesh, then we need to be aware that this identifies the tree.  God is the only one who judges the heart because he is the only one who can read the heart.  But God has given us fruit to test.  When we become fruit testers we are able to protect ourselves from harm.  When we identify a bad tree because there is bad fruit growing we need to stay away.

I do believe that a brother or sister in Christ can sin in an area that needs restoration and our love and gentleness to bring them to repentance.  But I also believe that there are weeds out there who say the right things regarding doctrine and a claim to faith but they do not live in repentance.  They cover over their sin and live their life in habitual lies and cover ups.  I believe this is why Paul told us not to associate with those who claim to be a brother or sister in Christ but who practice immorality.  We are not even to eat with them.  (1 Cor 5:11)  It is imperative that we identify the fruit because we are told that by their fruit we shall know them and we are to stay away from bad trees and I believe this is necessary so that we do not become lumped in with them and hurt our own Christian witness.