Is this your religion?

(J.C. Ryle, "Reality")

"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit." Matthew 7:16-17

If you would know whether your religion is real, try it by the FRUIT it bears in your heart and life. The Christianity which is from above — will always be known by its fruits. It will produce in the man who has it: repentance, faith, hope, love, humility, spirituality, kind temper, self-denial, unselfishness, forgivingness, temperance, truthfulness, brotherly-kindness, patience, and forbearance. The degree in which these various graces appear, may vary in different believers. The germ and seeds of them will be found in all who are the children of God. By their fruits — they will be known.

Is this your religion? If not, you may well doubt whether it is real.

Your religion, if it is real, and given by the Holy Spirit — must be in your HEART.
It must occupy the citadel.
It must hold the reins.
It must sway the affections.
It must lead the will.
It must direct the tastes.
It must influence the choices and decisions.
It must fill the deepest, lowest, inmost seat in your soul.

Is this your religion? If not, you may well doubt whether it is real and true.