Fruit Of The Spirit

September 9th – 2 Corinthians 7:1

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2 Corinthians 7:1

I love having a garden. There’s nothing better than being able to pick a fresh tomato or maybe a few beans for dinner. But it’s also a lot of work. It takes constant attention and if I’m not diligent, the weeds will take over and choke out the tender plants. The Christian walk takes work too. If not constantly tended, the weeds of unholiness can take over, choking out the tender fruit of the Spirit. That’s why we need to make a daily commitment to work hand in hand with God. To come before Him each day with the intent of rooting out anything in our lives which displeases Him. God demands holiness. And perfecting holiness is only possible when we are willing to get our hands dirty and put in the work. From overwhelming awe, and great respect for all God is, does, and blesses us with each day, how could want to give Him anything less that an bountiful harvest from the garden of our hearts!

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August 21st – 1 Corinthians 13:4

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1 Corinthians 13:4

1 Corinthians 13 is one of best known passages in the Bible on the subject of love. It’s read at countless weddings, including my own. But weddings and romance weren’t on Paul’s mind in this teaching. Instead Paul’s focus was on a church full of division, who had little interest in the fruit of love. Every day society bombards us with false ideas of what love is. It makes us think that love just happens to us. That we have no control. We’ve all heard the expression “the heart wants what the heart wants”, or someone described as “hopelessly in love”.  But the Bible teaches completely the opposite. Love is a choice we make, something we can control, and the fruit of a spirit filled life. Love is the root of the sacrificial death of Jesus. And as willingly and kindly as He love us, He calls us to love others.

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July 4th – Galatians 5:22

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Galatians 5:22

The moment we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit enters into our hearts and gets to work. And the result of His labors is evidenced by the spiritual fruit we produce. Described by Paul, this fruit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Throughout the Bible we are told of the importance of love. So no wonder Paul lists it first. But a very close second is joy. Because no matter our circumstances, God wants us to experience the fullness of His joy. An everlasting joy that can never be taken away. The Greek word for joy is chara, and is described as the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. There’s nothing that will humble us quicker than when we truly realize the favor and grace God shows us daily. So with thankful heats, how could the fruit of joy not be in spilled over into all we do!

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June 12th – James 5:7

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James 5:7

I love having a garden. Whether it be flowers or vegetables, there’s nothing better than the satisfaction of a good crop. And although I’d love to instantly see the results of my time, attention, and work, I have to have patience. Yet having patience isn’t easy, especially in a world that covets instant gratification. But life is full of waiting. And to those who patiently endure until He returns, God promises a glorious reward. An eternal bounty of love, peace, and endless joy. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, and one that produces endurance. An endurance to stay the course and strengthen our hearts for the soon coming of the Lord!

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February 1st – Colossians 3:14

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Colossians 3:14

Over 300 times the word love is mentioned in the Bible. That’s because of all the virtues God wants us to have, love is the most important. Love is the virtue that brings unity not division. It is one of the greatest fruits of the Spirit, and one of the greatest characteristic of a Christian. For we worship a God that doesn’t just love, He is love. And the love and grace He so generously bestows upon us, we should be extending to those around us. So today and everyday, love! Love God, love yourself, and love others!

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