What is the fruit God expects of Christians?
All visible things God created, and gave them to men
for recreation and enjoyment, and he gave
them also a law of justice. But ever since - 104-
Christ's coming, God demands other fruit and
another righteousness, namely, a purity of heart, a
good conscience, profitable speech, holy and good
thoughts, and all the works of the saints. For the Lord
says: "Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. It is written in the Law: Do not commit adultery. But I tell you. Do not lust or be angry" (Mt 5:20 ff.). For it is necessary that he who truly desires to be a friend of God keep himself from the mire of sin, but for the eternal fire which is in us. [Pseudo-Macarius Homily 13.17]
It is easy for someone to say that bread is made of
wheat. But he should rather be able to
describe how in detail the bread is prepared and baked.
To speak truly about freedom from passions
and perfection is given to few. The Gospel succinctly
says: "Thou shalt not be angry, thou shalt not
covet. If any man smites thee on the cheek, turn also the other cheek. If any one drags thee to court
to have your tunic, give him also your cloak" (Mt
5:39ff.). The Apostle, tracing out how the work of
purifying the heart must be done with patience and
perseverance, teaches in many ways how first
there is feeding with milk as with babies; then there is
a movement or progress to growth and to full
perfection. For the Gospel said that the garment is
made of wool. The Apostle, however, declared in
detail just how it is sewn together.[Homily 17.11]