A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. The impossibility is stated in both directions: good tree cannot produce bad fruit, diseased tree cannot produce good fruit. The consistency of the principle makes the diagnostic reliable over time: temporary performance cannot maintain itself against the tree's actual nature. Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, and Galatians 5:19–21 lists the works of the flesh — the two fruit-lists are diagnostic of two types of internal reality. The diagnostic takes time and attention: the fruit must be examined consistently, not in isolated moments.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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