But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23What sets Christians apart from others? As believers, we are temples of God and the Spirit of God dwells in us. (I Corinthians 3:16b) The Spirit is constantly working within each of us nudging us toward perfection in Christ. Evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit is manifest in our lives through the magnification of the nine visible qualities of “the fruit of the Spirit”. This fruit characterizes those who walk in obedience with God.
In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus tells us we are known (recognized) by our fruits; whether we be false prophets or true servants of Christ. “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” and further; “Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
We obtain this good fruit through spiritual growth and maturity. We begin our new life in Christ as spiritual babies and we grow first by feeding on the elementary fundamentals of God’s word; we then proceed to the more lofty truths of righteousness (Hebrews 5:12-14).
Spiritual growth is important to us in maintaining an obedient, useful and fruit-filled relationship with Christ. Peter explains it this way: “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8
Peter goes on to explain: “The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. Therefore, brothers, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you.” 2 Peter 1:9-11
Loving Father, My greatest desire is to be faithful and obedient to You; I long to have the fruit of Your Holy Spirit magnified in my life. I submit myself fully to Your prompting. Take hold of my thoughts, actions, attitudes, and desires and mold me into the person You want me to be. For Your honor and Your glory and Your Praise. Amen.
More fruit PLEASE!
