Paying Forward God’s Love
Several years ago a movie came out called Pay It Forward. It’s about a social studies teacher who challenges his class to think of a way to change the world. One boy realizes he can make a difference by doing something meaningful for one other person, and asking simply that they do the same for others. These small acts of kindness create a ripple effect, touching lives far beyond what he ever imagined.
Pastor Jay gave us a challenge last week, along with a terrific, spiritual science lesson. When we become followers of Christ, we receive the DNA of God; a seed of Him that begins to change us from the inside out. We can become like fruitful vines growing over walls, reaching beyond boundaries. A healthy, nourished vine is hard to hold back. It will grow up, over, and through any wall that might be in its way.
That’s how God wants us to be: living expressions of His love, patience, kindness. Visible signs of His character to change the world around us.
Proverbs 11:30 reminds us, “The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life.” These seeds of love, mercy, and service are planted in us by the Holy Spirit and grow as we mature in Christ. These outward expressions are called the Fruit of the Spirit, and they grow in us through our relationship with God.
The people of Antioch called the first Christians “Christians” because their lives reflected Jesus. The community saw His love and kindness in action and gave it a name. That is the same goal for us today. Being different by being kind, offering help, paying for someone’s groceries, cleaning a tired mom’s house; every act of kindness, every smile, every moment we choose to show God’s character over our own, is paying forward God’s love.
God’s love is not meant to be locked away in our hearts for our own benefit. It is meant to be shared like a fresh piece of fruit. Doing good for others should be part of the DNA of all believers.
The world definitely notices when Christians are acting like power-hungry hyenas, fighting for every scrap of attention, and will call them out. But it also notices when God’s love shows up in unexpected ways; when Christians are sacrificial, avoid fighting with one another, do good deeds (Titus 3:8), and exhibit the fruitful character of Christ.
When we walk into a room, the atmosphere can change because God’s DNA lives in us. But we still have the choice; will we walk in bringing His peace, compassion, and harmony, or will we bring our own dominance, anger, or judgement? Our Godly attitude and choices can plant seeds that blossom into a tree of life in the lives of others.
Being fruitful means paying God’s love forward. It means letting His Spirit shape us so that our actions, words, and even small gestures reflect Him. Like the vine that grows over walls, there is no limit to the influence of a life rooted in Christ. Let your life be fruitful, so that others may see God’s love, receive it, and pass it on.
Reflection Questions:
• How can I show God’s DNA through my actions this week?
• What does it look like to choose fruitfulness over power in my daily life?
• How do you tell when your “spiritual fruit” is healthy and growing, and what are some signs it might need watering?
