evaluation

Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. — Matthew 7:17-20 

Jesus is the ultimate expression of relational intelligence. 

He is the most influential figure in human history, and part of His productivity can be attributed to the way He managed relationships. 

He engaged in a practice — one He encouraged His followers to engage in as well. 

It’s the practice of fruit inspection.  

If Jesus says we should recognize people by their fruit, then He is encouraging us to actually  engage in an act of evaluation. While reflection is an internal exercise, evaluation or “fruit” inspection is an external exercise. It is the act of inspecting the fruit of the people in one’s relational circle and determining what category the fruit qualifies them for. This exercise should not be confused with making judgments about one’s character; rather, it is evaluating your personal experiences with an individual and determining what that means and says to you.  

Consider the last conversation you had with, say, your coworker. What did you discuss? Was something said that revealed some aspect of this person’s character? How did you feel when you left the conversation? Your evaluation of that person could determine whether that person remains an associate or becomes a friend. 

Some people aren’t bad people; they’re just bad for you.  

-dharius daniels