Christ’s Character In Us Blesses Others — March 30 [Description]Overview of the PassageThis passage uses the metaphor of plant growth to describe the Christian life. Just as a plant thrives by receiving sunlight, rain, and nutrients, Christians grow by staying rooted in Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit. True spiritual growth isn’t for personal gain—it’s for bearing fruit that blesses others and reflects Christ’s character. As we surrender our selfishness and serve with love, we mature in faith, embody the fruits of the Spirit, and help prepare the world for Jesus’ return. God’s ultimate goal is to reproduce Christ’s character in believers so it spreads to others—just like a plant gives seed for more life.

Spirit of Prophecy Reading

Christ’s Object Lessons pp.66-69:365D 89.1

The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to sustain its life. It sends down its roots into the earth. It drinks in the sunshine, the dew, and the rain. It receives the life-giving properties from the air. So the Christian is to grow by co-operating with the divine agencies. Feeling our helplessness, we are to improve all the opportunities granted us to gain a fuller experience. As the plant takes root in the soil, so we are to take deep root in Christ. As the plant receives the sunshine, the dew, and the rain, we are to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. The work is to be done “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6. If we keep our minds stayed upon Christ, He will come unto us “as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3. As the Sun of Righteousness, He will arise upon us “with healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2. We shall “grow as the lily.” We shall “revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.” Hosea 14:5, 7. By constantly relying upon Christ as our personal Saviour, we shall grow up into Him in all things who is our head.365D 89.2

“When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.365D 89.3

It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain.365D 89.4