Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles?

Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16)

This question follows a declaration from Jesus about how we live our lives and the fruit we may or may not be bearing. "You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles?" While He was talking about false prophets, and I pray none of us fall in that category, it also applies to those who say they are people of faith but have nothing to show for it.

Growing up in Kingsville and spending most of my childhood shoeless, I know about thorns and nothing, I mean absolutely nothing close to grapes come from thorns. The great vocabulary my grandfather showed me through Maldiciones 101 (Spanish curse words) was put to extensive use whenever my foot encountered a thorn. I would have preferred grapes. The same for thistles. It is a plant that does not produce figs.

What we have inside our hearts and how we live our lives produces either good fruit or bad fruit. Those connected closely with Christ who love and model their lives after Him produce others like Him.

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