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HomeWord - Aug. 16, 2007

 


Fruit of the Spirit 
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

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 5:22-23

Summer is one of my favorite times of year.  Not simply for the longer days and warmer weather, but also for summer fruit.  I love going into the grocery store and seeing the produce aisle stocked with a smorgasbord of delicious, brightly-colored fruit.  Whatever looks the most appealing and refreshing gets taken home to be enjoyed.

The book of Galatians talks about spiritual fruit.  In many ways, Christians should have the characteristics we look for in fruit on the counter – we should be appealing and refreshing to those we encounter.  Have you been granted an extra dose of patience?  Perhaps a few more days on a deadline at work or understanding when you’ve messed up?  Or maybe someone has shown you incredible kindness by surprising you with a gift or offering help.  Or possibly it is your child who, at the end of a long day, looks up to you and says “I love you” and you melt, due to pure love.  Why?  Because these attributes are coveted.  They are characteristics we hope for in ourselves but need from others.  It is always disappointing and disheartening to be let down by impatience, a lack of self-control, or cruelty.

For Christians, the fruit of the Spirit comes in a complete set.  When you believe and the Holy Spirit is working in you, others should see this fruit daily growing in you.  Not just one piece, but all.  It’s not like going shopping and picking out only two kinds of fruit; we get the party pack – all nine fruits of the Spirit.  These are natural characteristics of Jesus that he gives to us through the Holy Spirit.  They are fruit we should seek to grow. 

A part of being a Christian is building each attribute.  We all have opportunities each day to demonstrate and put these fruits to practice.  Each day, we can choose to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to others around us.  The more we do that, the more those around us will see Jesus apparent in our life.

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GOING DEEPER:

1. What fruit of the Spirit do you find lacking in your life right now?  Pray and ask the Lord to increase that area in your life.

2. Think through a typical day.  How do these qualities help you to demonstrate Jesus in your day-to-day life?

FURTHER READING:

John 15:4-5; Ephesians 5:8-9; 1 John 4:7-8


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