The English language has been influenced by Latin. A large number of English words have their roots in either classical or medieval Latin language. One of these is the word “fruit,” which comes from the Latin word fructus. From fructus and its derivatives we also get “fruition,” “fructose (sugar),” and “fruitfulness.”
But did you know fructus means both “fruit” and “enjoyment?”
Seeing this caused me to reflect on the connection between the two. I realized that when I am doing something fruitful, I also often find enjoyment. There is enjoyment in being fruitful!
Indeed, the first command given in the Bible is to be fruitful. We see this first applied in Genesis 1:28 to having children. But the theme of fruitfulness, productive activity, and being a blessing runs throughout all of Scripture. Fruitfulness is doing good and producing benefit for the well-being of others.
This morning I heard about a woman of faith in our city who recently died. Years back she survived breast cancer treatment only to be in a car accident that left her paralyzed for the rest of her life. Yet at her memorial my friend said that the stories told about her were accounts of great fruitfulness and blessing – and her genuine joyfulness.
Indeed, fruitfulness and joy are intertwined.
Do you want to experience enjoyment in this life? Then be fruitful!
We were created for fruitfulness.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 3:20
Hardship and tribulation will come, but by God’s grace we can live fruitful lives.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV)
Old age will come, but with God’s help we can still be fruitful.
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:14 (NIV)
The ancient Latins got it right – fruitfulness and enjoyment are connected. I hope this is your experience as well.
To hear more, join Scott Allen, Dwight Vogt, and Luke Allen as they talk about this topic in “Want More Enjoyment?” on the DNA podcast Ideas Have Consequences.
