Luke 8:15 (NKJ), “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.”

Jesus often referred to the Word of God been a seed that is sown into the hearts of those who hear it. Those who receive and cling to the Word they hear, with hearts that are receptive and teachable, will keep that Word, yield to its truth and bear fruit from it. Fruit is evidence of the Word of God working in our lives. Mark 4:24 (AMPC) says the measure of the Word we pay attention to; will be the measure of virtue and knowledge it will produce in us. Now that word virtue in context to this verse, means power and moral excellence. In fact, we can cross reference this verse with Luke 6:19 and Luke 8:46, which both speak of the healing virtue, or power that flowed from Jesus. One translation of Luke 6:19 says that healing power cured all of the multitude who were seeking to touch Him, saving them from severe illnesses or calamities. As we give ourselves to God’s Word, believing what it says about who we are in Christ, we will understand that same healing power is in us to flow from us too (Mark 16:17-20). We can also cross reference Mark 4:24 with Philippians 4:8, and 2 Peter 1:5. Both speak of virtue being moral excellence. 2 Peter 1:5 (AMPC) says, “For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), …” When we are diligent to study God’s Word, His healing power and His Own moral excellence will be drawn up from our spirits and made evident in our lives!  2 Peter 1:8 says, “For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” Pay attention to the Word and it will keep you fruitful until Jesus comes!