"Fruit" isn't the visible bark, or leaves, or height, or shape we see on, or of, a tree for the first few years after it is planted. And, neither is the fruit expression used in those "Ah Ha, Gottcha!" verses we try to use to expose people, the list given in the Bible. It is the RESULTS that evolve from the influence of a person over a period of time. (fruit doesn't grow for months, or even, years)
There is a highly abused Christian catch word. It is "discernment". And, we use it to justify all sorts of judgmental and prejudicial evaluations of people or actions we don't agree with. We often manage to "discern" anything we don't like in someone's demeanor or doctrine... or even, personality, as "BAD Fruit", long before the branches have even begun to show blossoms.
A young, tattooed, blue jean wearing preacher with long hair, usually doesn't even have to open his mouth to be declared a "False Teacher" and obviously, Bad Fruit, by any number of "Christians"............ despite the fact that he may be leading, literally, thousands to come to know Jesus.
Paul, himself, was considered by many to be a bearer of bad fruit in his day. But........
"Jesus teaches heresy and defies the laws of our religion", was the cry about our very Savior. Bad Fruit, must be the result. But who is that fruit? It's you and me.
