The Tree of Life
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Choices in the Garden of Eden
The Garden of Eden was a place of peace, joy, and unashamed freedom. The trees God created there were to bring pleasure and sustenance to His people, but there were two others that offered choice. One fed the partaker’s relationship with God and all the glory that came from intimacy with Him. To eat the fruit of the other led to revelation of the differences between good and evil, giving power to fear and death. One offered freedom, the other law.
Burdened by the Fruit of Law
The bitter fruit was chosen, one that cultivates law, self-reliance, and mortality. Humanity became burdened with a continuous struggle to define and then overcome evil. However, Jesus, the Son of God, was born and lived an example of trust in our Father (even unto death). He was sacrificed, and we were freed from the impact of sin. In essence, as overcomers we can return to the Garden of Eden, and to the tree of life. When Christ died, the veil that separated us from God was torn. Now we can grow intimately close to our Father once more.
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit in Believers
Those who accept the sacrifice given for the forgiveness of their sins has opportunity to commune directly with God. One who chooses to keep attentive to that intimate connection receives from God the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. God’s qualities of peace, joy, longsuffering, unconditional love, and more are present in the Holy Spirit living within. Those traits shine forth as fruit through no effort of the believer. God uses that fruit, the result of an intimate relationship, to reach others.
The Tree of Life is at Hand
The tree of life (intimate relationship with God) is at hand now, inspiring others to partake. God’s fruit (His qualities), evident in His children (the righteous-by His act, not ours), encourages hurting people toward a relationship with God and the unashamed freedom it offers.
Isn’t God amazing in how He wins souls? And isn’t He wonderful to allow us to be a part of this Spiritual journey?