This post was last updated on February 28, 2026

Day 355, Year 1

The Fruit of Faith

“Who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions.” (Hebrews 11:33 NASB)

Today’s verse makes it clear that believers’ faith in God can be historic. We who receive God’s promises and put His justice into practice will surely overcome our enemies. This is a slap in the face for those who claim to have faith in God but bear no fruit of it. Of course, some new believers in Jesus may need time to develop their faith and bear relevant fruit. But when it comes to those who have believed in Christ for several years or more, it is quite impossible not to have the fruit of faith.

The scripture makes it clear that those results of faith were due to God’s words and leadings, with their faithful responses to Him. So, there is no such thing as “faith in the mind, or in mental recognition only.” Yes, faith often begins with an understanding of God’s Word in our mind, while our faith, motivated by genuine belief in God, must lead to relevant actions. In short, faith in the head or heart without action does not meet Jesus’ expectation of believers.

Believers should be accurate in God’s understanding of faith, but be aware of blind faith or the fruit of pretended faith. Some people claim to believe in God, but can only bear the fruit of pretended faith, such as giving a large amount of money to the church, boasting about how many times they have read the Bible, and even successfully persuading some around them to convert to Jesus, and so on. Following God’s guidance is the key to bearing fruit of faith, because even subduing enemy nations, doing righteousness, making a large offering, etc., can be the result of faith in God, or mere human willpower or military force.

It’s worth noting that in today’s scripture, it is written “performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises.” In other words, those who do not practice God’s righteousness will have little access to His promises. On the contrary, we who believe in Jesus will do righteousness because of the power in His righteousness. Furthermore, as we have received God’s promises, our attitudes, goals, and lifestyles have been changing continuously. Thus, if a person claims to believe in God but does not become God-oriented in all aspects of his or her life’s purpose and direction after several years, it is questionable whether he or she has genuine faith. In fact, it is impossible for those who truly believe in Jesus for a long time to be without the fruit of righteousness. Did Jesus make believers more prone to sin? Of course not.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you think some believers can receive God’s promises even if they don’t perform the acts of righteousness God requires? Why?

2) Do you feel your faith in God has brought about any positive changes in you and faithful actions in Him?