Fruit in keeping with Repentance

7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matthew 3:7-9)

Thoughts: What is the "fruit in keeping with repentance" John is talking about here?  It is one thing to say we repent it is another to actually do it.  It is one thing to say we listen to God, and it is another to really obey Him and His Word.  We naturally look for ways to excuse our own behavior.  John did not want the blatant hypocrites coming to join him in worship.  We all sin.  But some repent of the sin, and some keep on sinning but saying they are doing right.   Repentance is not just saying we are sorry.  But it is changing behavior.  This is done, not in our own strength, but by God's grace. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to repent with sincerity of heart and a changed way of life.