When I first gave my life to the Lord, I heard of the biblical concept of the fruit of the Spirit. I was desperate to be able to emulate these characteristics because I viewed them as a goal to accomplish.
I thought that once I obtained all of the fruit, I would have made it as a good Christian. As if growing to be more loving, kind, peaceful, or developing more self-control was something I could accomplish in my own will. And once I finally could reach the fullness of each fruit, I was done. Check that one off. 100%. I get an A+. I am finished with that fruit. Now moving on to the next.
Hold on!
Slow down, Terria!
I missed the most important word in the title. These are the fruit of the Spirit. Not the fruit of my desires, hard work, or willpower. But the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
How Fruit is Developed
One of a believer’s greatest gifts and our greatest need is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit from the moment we are saved. The Holy Spirit guides us, teaches us, develops us, and matures us. He also changes us so that we become more like Jesus.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my [Jesus] name, will teach you everything and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.”
(John 14:26)
The fruit of the Spirit are characteristics of Christ that are developed in us by the Holy Spirit. That development lasts for the course of our human lives, meaning our earthly lives as believers are spent being changed into the likeness of Jesus!
Unfortunately, we will never be perfect. We have our sinful flesh to battle. Therefore, we will never be successful in fully demonstrating all of the fruit of the Spirit at every moment. Yet, Jesus is still for us. He is on our side!
But how does it work? The fruit is a gift from God that is developed as we spend time with Him. The Holy Spirit gradually transforms us as we walk with Him daily. He works in us to change our hearts: our actions, attitudes, thoughts, preferences, and choices. As we spend time with God and walk with the Holy Spirit, He begins to align our hearts with Christ. We become more like Jesus.
How do we practically spend time with God? It can look like praying, studying, meditating upon His Word, confessing sinful thoughts and practices to others, fasting, worshipping, and serving His church.
The Proper Source
“The one who remains in Me—and I in him—bears much fruit because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.”
(John 15:5)
If we stay connected to Jesus, we will produce much fruit! Fruit production is determined by the health of the source: the vine and roots. If a gardener neglects tending to the roots and vine, then fruit will not grow.
The same is true for us. As believers, we must stay connected to our source – Father God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit – to remain spiritually strong, nourished, and energized to produce fruit. Because we can not produce fruit on our own.
So if you recognize an area of your life where you are fruitless, ask yourself, “How connected am I to the source, the vine and roots?” When we submerge ourselves in the love of God, focus on our walk with the Holy Spirit, and live for Jesus, the more the fruit of the Spirit will naturally grow in our lives.
Peace and grace unto you.
