Let Purity Cover Your Gift

Leviticus 19:23-25 (NKJV) says:
“When you come into the land and plant any fruit tree for food, then you shall count its fruit as uncircumcised; three years it shall be as uncircumcised to you: it shall not be eaten. But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, an offering of praise to the Lord. And in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, that its yield may increase to you: I am the Lord your God.”

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Welcome! Let’s explore God’s Word together and understand His principles for bearing fruit in our lives and ministries.

The Desire to Bear Fruit

Every believer longs to bear much fruit for God to see spiritual gifts blessing others, to witness lives transformed, and to see the Kingdom of God grow. Yet many get discouraged early in ministry because they don’t see immediate results. They may question if their work is truly God’s calling.

This discouragement often comes from not understanding God’s process for growth and fruitfulness. Jesus taught this clearly

in John 15:4-5 (NKJV):

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

True fruitfulness requires abiding in Christ and walking in His ways this is a process.

The Biblical Model of Fruitfulness: Three Stages

God instructed the Israelites on how to treat fruit trees when entering the Promised Land. This model is rich in spiritual meaning about how God’s gifts and ministries grow in us.

Stage 1: The First Three Years – Uncircumcised Fruit

The fruit produced in the first three years was “uncircumcised” (Lev. 19:23), meaning it was not yet suitable for eating or use. In agriculture, early fruit often lacks maturity, taste, or value, and is removed so the tree can grow stronger.

Spiritually, when you begin your walk with God or start a ministry, your early efforts may seem unproductive or weak. This period involves growth, testing, and perseverance. You may feel your work is fruitless or insignificant, but this is normal and necessary.

This stage represents sanctification in progress a believer is growing but not yet fully mature. Paul talks about the process of growth

in 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV):

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

You must remain faithful in this stage, even if results aren’t visible.

Stage 2: The Fourth Year – Holy Fruit

In the fourth year, the fruit is declared holy and must be dedicated to the Lord (Lev. 19:24). The Israelites were commanded not to consume this fruit but to give it as an offering of praise.

Spiritually, this means that your ministry or spiritual gift must be fully dedicated to God not for personal gain or comfort, but as a sacrifice. It involves self-denial, investment of time, resources, and energy.

This stage reflects the call to wholehearted devotion and stewardship. Paul exhorts believers

in Romans 12:1 (NKJV):

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Giving to God first is a principle of faith and obedience.

Stage 3: The Fifth Year – Abundant Harvest

From the fifth year onwards, the fruit could be eaten and enjoyed (Lev. 19:25). This represents the stage where God blesses the faithful servant with abundant fruit.

Spiritually, this is when the believer’s faithfulness and perseverance result in visible, lasting impact souls are saved, lives changed, and ministries prosper.

This corresponds to God’s promised blessing for faithfulness, as seen

in Galatians 6:9 (NKJV):

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

This blessing is the reward for persistent faith and obedience.

Summary and Encouragement

1. Be patient in the early stages of growth, understanding it’s normal for initial fruit to be small or imperfect.
2. Dedicate your gift fully to God, offering your time, talents, and resources as a holy sacrifice.
3. Trust God for the increase, knowing that if you remain faithful, your efforts will bear abundant fruit in due time.

Don’t say, “One day I will get there,” without taking action now. Years can pass without fruit if you don’t follow God’s process of growth, dedication, and patience.

Final Thought

The presence of a prompting or passion to serve God is a sign of the gift God has given you. Act on that prompting faithfully, even when results aren’t immediately visible.

May the Lord help us understand these principles and empower us to bear lasting fruit for His glory.

Shalom.

Print this post