In this age of “misinformation,” how can you tell truth from error? Jesus Christ warns us to beware of false prophets. What they say sounds good, but inside they are “ravening wolves.”

So how are we to know truth from error and good from evil? Christ teaches us to look at the fruits. In Matthew 7, He teaches this concept using the analogy of fruit trees.

“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them,” (verses 16-20).

A tree might look good at a distance, but what kind of fruits does it produce? The same is true for individuals and churches—what are the fruits?

Christ not only taught this principle of judging by fruits, He set the example of producing godly fruit. He wanted people to judge Him by His fruits.

In John 14:11, Christ said, “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” Christ dealt with many who doubted Him, and He told them to look at His works. He wanted people to look carefully at His fruits.

In Luke 7, Christ healed the centurion’s servant and then raised a young man from the dead! Incredible fruits!

Word of these amazing works got back to John the Baptist, who was in prison. John sent two of his disciples to ask Christ if He was the Messiah. Notice how Christ answered them: “And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached” (verses 21-22).

Christ was fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament. His fruits proved who He was. Christ said the right words, but He also did godly works. He produced good fruit!

How about you? Do you produce good fruits in your life? Galatians 5 lists the works of the flesh and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Which are you producing? God is looking at your fruits.

Do you know where God’s one true Church is? Can you discern between good and evil? Again, Christ instructs us to look at the fruits.

God’s Church will produce good fruits! And members of God’s Church will produce good fruits in their individual lives. If you would like to learn more about God’s Church and its fruits, please read This Is the Philadelphia Church of God.