Daily Devotion

Saturday, March 9, 2026  

Today's Scripture
Jeremiah 17:10

I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings.

Reflection

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds” (Jeremiah 17:10 ESV).

The fruit of...

Without these three words, today’s verse might read like a performance-based compensation plan. In this endlessly evaluative age, life in this world can feel like a crushing, constant, inescapable burden of proof to justify ourselves. What hope, what peace, and what rest these three words promise—

The fruit of...

Consider the counterfactual. If God gave according to our deeds, we might focus doggedly on deeds and neglect unscripted opportunities to show love and mercy. We might act on forecast outcomes rather than on faith. We control little, if anything. Without properly risk-adjusted outcomes, we might not act at all, choosing to bury our talent rather than risk falling short.

Would God save us by grace and justify us through faith to live eternally in a heavenly meritocracy?

The fruit of...

God gives according to the fruit of our deeds. Consider the possibility that God does not count measurable benefits that flow from our deeds or the number of beneficiaries impacted. Consider the possibility that God looks for the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control produced in us by the Spirit as we do God’s word. Consider the possibility that it is not success or failure that matters, but the presence or absence of fruit grown through the outworking of faith. Consider that faith itself is a gift from God.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for making us yours. Indeed, your yoke is easy and your burden, light. Please continue to complete the good work that you began in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by Jeanette Chung, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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