How to Bear Fruit as a Christian: Why Pineapples Don’t Belong on Pizza

As Christians, bearing spiritual fruit is a central part of our faith journey. The Bible often uses the metaphor of fruit to describe the evidence of a life transformed by God’s grace. But what does it truly mean to bear fruit as a Christian? And while we’re at it, why do pineapples on pizza spark such heated debates? Let’s dive into the spiritual and the slightly absurd.

Understanding Spiritual Fruit

The concept of bearing fruit is rooted in Scripture. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This verse highlights the importance of staying connected to Christ to produce spiritual fruit. But what exactly is this fruit?

Galatians 5:22-23 provides a clear answer: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These qualities are not something we can manufacture on our own; they are the result of the Holy Spirit working in us.

1. Love: The Foundation of All Fruit

Love is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It’s not just an emotion but a deliberate choice to put others before ourselves. When we love others as Christ loves us, we reflect His character to the world. And let’s be honest, loving someone who puts pineapple on pizza might require extra grace.

2. Joy: More Than Happiness

Joy is deeper than fleeting happiness. It’s a steadfast contentment that comes from knowing God, regardless of circumstances. Even when life feels like a pizza with all the wrong toppings, joy reminds us of God’s unchanging goodness.

3. Peace: Calm in the Chaos

Peace is the ability to remain calm and trusting in God’s plan, even when life feels chaotic. It’s the opposite of the heated debates that erupt over controversial pizza choices. True peace comes from surrendering our worries to God.

4. Forbearance: Patience in Action

Forbearance is about enduring difficult situations or people with patience. It’s the ability to bite your tongue when someone insists that pineapple belongs on pizza. It’s also a reminder that we’re all works in progress.

5. Kindness: Small Acts, Big Impact

Kindness is showing compassion and generosity to others, even when it’s inconvenient. It’s choosing to be gracious, whether you’re sharing a pizza or sharing the Gospel.

6. Goodness: Living with Integrity

Goodness is about moral excellence and doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. It’s the opposite of secretly picking off the pineapple and pretending it was never there.

7. Faithfulness: Steadfast and True

Faithfulness is about being reliable and trustworthy, both in our relationship with God and with others. It’s sticking to your convictions, even if it means defending your pizza preferences.

8. Gentleness: Strength Under Control

Gentleness is not weakness; it’s strength under control. It’s the ability to respond with humility and care, even when you’re tempted to roll your eyes at someone’s questionable pizza choices.

9. Self-Control: Mastering Your Desires

Self-control is about mastering your impulses and aligning them with God’s will. It’s saying no to that third slice of pizza—or at least sharing it with someone else.

Practical Steps to Bear Fruit

Bearing fruit doesn’t happen overnight. It requires intentional effort and reliance on God. Here are some practical steps to cultivate spiritual fruit in your life:

1. Stay Connected to the Vine: Spend time in prayer, Scripture, and worship to remain close to Jesus.
2. Surrender to the Holy Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and attitudes.
3. Serve Others: Look for opportunities to show love and kindness in tangible ways.
4. Practice Gratitude: Focus on God’s blessings, even in difficult times.
5. Build Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and challenge you.

The Pineapple Pizza Paradox

Now, let’s address the elephant—or pineapple—in the room. Why does pineapple on pizza provoke such strong reactions? Perhaps it’s because it challenges our expectations. In the same way, bearing spiritual fruit often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace God’s unexpected plans. Whether you’re a fan of pineapple pizza or not, the debate reminds us that unity in diversity is possible—even in the body of Christ.

Conclusion

Bearing fruit as a Christian is about allowing God to transform us from the inside out. It’s a journey of growth, patience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. And while we may never agree on pineapple pizza, we can agree that love, joy, peace, and the other fruits of the Spirit are worth pursuing. So, let’s strive to bear much fruit—and maybe share a pizza (with or without pineapple) along the way.

Related Questions

1. What does it mean to abide in Christ?
   Abiding in Christ means maintaining a close, ongoing relationship with Him through prayer, Scripture, and obedience. It’s the key to bearing spiritual fruit.

2. Can non-Christians exhibit the fruit of the Spirit?
   While anyone can display qualities like kindness or self-control, the fruit of the Spirit is uniquely produced through a relationship with Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.

3. How can I grow in self-control?
   Growing in self-control starts with prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It also involves practical steps like setting boundaries and seeking accountability.

4. Why is love considered the greatest fruit?
   Love is the foundation of all the other fruits and reflects God’s nature. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

5. Is it okay to dislike pineapple on pizza?
   Absolutely! Personal preferences are valid, but let’s remember to extend grace and kindness to those who enjoy pineapple on their pizza—after all, love is patient and kind.