Show Don't Tell: Matthew 7:15-20

Imagine this scene: it’s a sun-drenched afternoon in a quiet village, where children laugh and play, and livestock graze lazily in the meadows. In this pastoral landscape, there’s a small flock of sheep, their woolly coats glistening in the warm light. Among them, however, lurks a dark figure—a wolf draped in the tattered skin of a sheep. At first glance, it looks harmless, perhaps even adorable, as it bleats softly, blending seamlessly with the flock. The shepherd, a diligent man named Eli, tends to his sheep with care, his weathered hands skillfully checking each one for signs of health, but he’s momentarily distracted by a commotion at the edge of the field.

In the stillness that follows, the wolf watches with keen, hungry eyes, its heart racing at the prospect of a feast. Eli, unaware of the danger lurking among his beloved flock, embodies the very essence of vigilance. Suddenly, a chilling growl escapes the wolf’s throat, causing the sheep to scatter in terror. Eli's instincts kick in. But how could he have known? The disguise was so convincing.

Then, Eli remembers the wise words of an old shepherd—the key to discernment: "By their fruit, you shall know them." He thinks of the vibrant apples and sweet figs that grace his orchard, evidence of a good tree nurtured with love. As he returns to the flock, Eli begins to inspect each one closely, recognizing that good fruit—those signs of genuine love, joy, and peace—can only flourish from a heart rooted in truth. The wolf, stripped of its disguise, reveals its true nature. When we encounter people in our lives, may we learn to look deeper, knowing that authentic character reveals itself over time. Let us be vigilant in recognizing the fruit that others bear, seeking out that which nurtures rather than deceives.