Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:11 NIV
As believers, God calls us to be filled with the fruit of righteousness. This represents the outward expression of an inner transformation. This fruit of righteousness is a result of our relationship with Jesus Christ and reflects God’s standards of holiness. Bearing the fruit of righteousness is not about our own efforts but about living in union with Christ; it is manifesting the nature of Christ.
“Fruit” symbolises actions, attitudes, and character traits that reflect righteousness—living according to God’s standards of holiness and mirroring the life of God. Human effort cannot produce this fruit; instead, it results from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The righteousness Paul speaks of here is not self-righteousness or the product of our own works. It is the righteousness imputed to us by Jesus Christ—meaning that through His life, death, and resurrection, we are made right before God. Through faith in Jesus, we are justified and made capable of producing righteous fruit.
Meanwhile, the fruit of righteousness goes deeper than simply performing good deeds. It involves living a life modelled after Jesus—His actions, teachings, and character. This means conforming not just to moral or ethical standards, but specifically to the example set by Christ in obedience, love, humility, and submission to God’s will. As Jesus says in Matthew 5:46-47 (NIV): “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
Pharisees, tax collectors, and even non-believers display behaviours like loving those who love them or greeting their own people, which are basic human actions. But Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard—one that surpasses mere human goodness. Matthew 5:20 (NIV) emphasises this:
“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:20 NIV
As believers, we must reflect God’s perfect love and righteousness, not just human standards of goodness. Furthermore, the fruit of righteousness also involves continuing the work of Jesus. John 14:12 (NIV) says:
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.”
Jesus wants us to continue in the good works He did, such as preaching the gospel, healing, and performing miracles. These greater works are part of the fruit of righteousness, as they reflect God’s power working through His people. Consequently, we bring Him glory and extend His kingdom on earth. God wants to continue His work through you. All He requires is that you present your body as a living sacrifice—holy and acceptable to Him. Present yourself as a willing vessel.
In conclusion, the fruit of righteousness is not just about doing good deeds; it’s about living a life like Christ. It means walking in obedience, love, service, humility, mercy, and faithfully proclaiming the gospel—just as Jesus did. This Christ-like way of living isn’t something we can achieve on our own, but it is made possible through our union with Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. When we surrender to God and allow Him to work through us, we will bear fruit that glorifies Him and reflects His righteousness to the world.
