Fruit of the Spirit

“Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

When we look around, we see brokenness everywhere. We all need love. Growing up doesn't heal or remove the scars of our spiritual and emotional wounds. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we see the fruit of the Holy Spirit as he begins healing our souls and transforming us into entirely new people!

We gain the power of self-control by the power of the Holy Spirit. We learn patience and perseverance in dealing with our daily challenges. Our minds become sharper, and we make wiser decisions. We learn how to avoid worldly customs and live a life worthy of a Christian.

“Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. ² Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

“Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

But spiritual maturity requires reading and meditating on the Scriptures, having fellowship with other Christians, and living by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Maturity is a dynamic and constantly changing life where our character is built stronger from within.

“Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.” Galatians 5: 19-24

We live in such a corrupt world that if we don’t pay attention, we may become disobedient to God and commit sin. But the Holy Spirit comes to our Rescue! He urges us to confess our sins boldly and truthfully, then stand on our feet and continue this life-long journey.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9

Change is inevitable while we are on this journey! Spiritual maturity changes many things in our lives! Sometimes we go through a significant overhaul in a shorter period. And sometimes, overcoming a tiny, lousy habit takes much longer. But, whether substantial or little, the Holy Spirit continues to prune our old and unpleasant habits so that whatever we do yields good fruit and honors God. Jesus said:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2

Please click on “Gifts of the Spirit” to continue.