You Will Know Them by Their Fruit: Understanding Godly Correction

In a world full of opinions, voices, and constant correction, it can be difficult to discern what is truly from God and what is not. Everyone seems to have something to say—especially when it comes to pointing out what is wrong. But Jesus gave us a clear way to discern truth from error:

“You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, NKJV)

Fruit reveals the source.

Not All Correction Comes from God

Correction is not the problem—the source and spirit behind it is.

Many people today speak “truth,” but the fruit of their words tells a different story. If what is said produces:

• Shame

• Condemnation

• Ridicule

• Emotional wounds tied to past mistakes

…then we need to pause and ask: Is this really from the Spirit of God?

Because God does not correct the way the world corrects.

What Godly Correction Produces

When God corrects, it is never to tear down—it is always to build up.

Yes, His correction may convict us. It may reveal areas that need to change. But it also does something powerful at the same time:

It creates a hunger and thirst for righteousness.

God’s correction says:

“This needs to change… but I am with you, and your future can be different.”

His voice does not drag us back into the shame of who we were—it calls us forward into who He created us to be.

Where the world reminds you of your failures, God reminds you of your calling.

Conviction vs. Condemnation

This is where many believers struggle to discern.

• Condemnation says: “Look at what you’ve done. You’re stuck there.”

• Conviction says: “This isn’t who you are. Come higher.”

Condemnation crushes.Conviction restores.

Condemnation focuses on your past.Conviction points to your future.

Scripture tells us: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1, NKJV)

If there is no condemnation in Christ, then correction that leaves someone condemned cannot reflect His heart.

The Fruit Reveals the Spirit

Jesus made it simple: look at the fruit.

If correction leads to:

• Hope

• Repentance

• Growth

• A desire to draw closer to God

…that is the fruit of the Spirit at work.

But if it leads to:

• Shame

• Withdrawal

• Bitterness

• Feeling spiritually defeated

…that fruit should not be ignored.

Not everything that sounds spiritual comes from the Spirit.

A Call to Speak Like Christ

This truth doesn’t just help us discern others—it challenges how we speak.

As believers, we are called to correct one another, but we must do it the way God does:

• With truth

• With love

• With humility

• With the goal of restoration, not destruction

Before we speak, we should ask: "Will this build up, or will this tear down?”

Because even truth, when spoken without the Spirit of God, can wound instead of heal.

Final Thought

Fruit never lies.

If what is being said leaves behind destruction, shame, and pain, it is not reflecting the heart of God.

But when correction leads someone toward life, hope, and righteousness—that is where the Spirit of God is moving.

So test the fruit.

Because in the end, you will always know the source by what it produces.

Pastor Scott