Ep. 16: Busy for God or Bearing Fruit?

In this honest and reflective episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana sit down for a behind-the-scenes conversation about something many Christians wrestle with—but don’t always name: the difference between being busy for God and actually bearing fruit.

We talk about how easy it is to slip into checklist Christianity—doing all the “right” things, staying involved, showing up faithfully—while still missing the deeper intimacy God is inviting us into. This episode gently challenges the idea that fruit can be forced through effort, discipline, or religious activity, and instead points us back to what Scripture teaches: fruit is the natural result of abiding in Christ.

Together, we explore how the fruit of the Spirit grows slowly over time, why Scripture about “fruit” is often misused as a measuring stick for others, and how God calls us first to examine our own hearts—not manage appearances.

This conversation is for anyone who feels spiritually tired, stuck in self-effort, or unsure how to discern healthy fruit in their own life or relationships.

 

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What We Cover:

• The difference between being busy for God and bearing fruit

• Why fruit cannot be forced through behavior or performance

• How abiding in Christ leads to lasting heart transformation (Galatians 5:22–23)

• Why the “fruit” Scripture is meant for discernment—not judgment

• Recognizing patterns of healthy vs. unhealthy fruit over time

• How repentance, humility, and a contrite heart reveal true spiritual growth

• Navigating relationships when words and actions don’t align

• A simple way to recognize conflict responses: avoiding, blaming, or choosing compassion

• Practical ways to abide in Christ during seasons of exhaustion, burnout, or uncertainty

• Why abiding doesn’t erase your personality—it refines and strengthens it

 

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Key Quotes:

“Fruit isn’t something we produce by trying harder—it’s something God grows in us when we abide in Him.”
“You can be doing all the ‘right’ things and still miss the intimacy God is inviting you into.”
“Apart from Him, we can do nothing—but with Him, everything changes.”

 

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Scripture Referenced:

• Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit

• Galatians 5:19–21 — The works of the flesh

• John 15:5 — Abiding in the vine

• Matthew 7:1–2 — Judging and discernment

• Luke 10:25–37 — The Good Samaritan

• Matthew 5–7 — The Sermon on the Mount

 

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Join the Conversation:

Have you ever realized you were busy for God but not actually abiding with Him?
What does abiding look like in your current season?

Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group—we love hearing how God is working in your life.

 

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Follow & Connect:

📸 Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/
📸 Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/
👥 Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact

 

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Take the Next Step:

✨ Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code?
Grow in faith, purpose, and community here:
https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home

✨ Ready for a fresh start?
Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana:
https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12

 

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Final Notes:
We’d also appreciate your prayers for Briana’s daughter, Nora, as their family navigates upcoming medical appointments.

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to follow the podcast and leave a review? Your support helps us continue sharing conversations that invite women into deeper faith, freedom, and intimacy with God.

Until next week, friends. 💛