GODLY FRUIT

GODLY FRUIT

Gal. 5:22-23 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.  NLT

      Every believer should be defined by these qualities of character to some degree.  We are all different and we will major on different ones, but the transforming work of the Spirit will manifest itself in all of the above in us to some degree.  There is no one who is controlled by the Spirit who will not take on these traits in their life. 

      If you do not see the fruit of the Spirit in you, then your heart is not right with God.  It is impossible for us to live in faith and not show the evidence of that faith in our lives.  We must be growing and showing the fruit of the Spirit in how we live. 

       Notice that we can’t pick and choose which one of these traits we will have in our lives.  Fruit is a singular noun that tells us that all of these traits should show up in us.  No one is going to do all of these well, but all will do all of these to some degree. 

      We should regularly examine our hearts to see what we need help with.  The Lord will help us to become stronger in our weak points if we will but ask Him to and let Him work on us.  We must strive to be honest with how we are doing.  Otherwise, we will never improve the quality of our life in Christ.  Admit to yourself where you have failed, confess it to the Lord, and with His help get to work on making your weaknesses stronger.  There are nine fruit characteristics listed so there is enough to look at each day of our lives to see how we are doing. 

     Fruit does not grow overnight.  The soul must be properly nourished.  We must work at cultivating a healthy soil for it to grow in.  We must diligently strive to keep the weeds at bay.  If we work at it in cooperation with the Lord, we will produce much fruit for others to see and enjoy.

      Fruit left on the tree does no one any good.  It may be nice to look at, but if it never gets off the tree, what good is it?  Likewise, spiritual fruit is meant to be tasted and used by others.  The more we share our fruit with others, the better we serve Christ.  Be a blessing to others and share your fruitfulness with others.