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, brokenness is evident everywhere. Everyone yearns for love to heal. Growing up doesn’t erase the scars of our spiritual and emotional wounds, but the moment the Holy Spirit touches our lives, we begin to experience the transformation and healing of our souls!

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we embrace the strength of self-control. Patience and perseverance become our allies as we navigate daily challenges. Our minds sharpen, guiding us to make wiser decisions. We cultivate the ability to rise above worldly customs and lead a life that reflects our Christian values.

“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

Spiritual maturity involves reading and meditating on the Scriptures, engaging in fellowship with fellow Christians, and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is a vibrant and ever-evolving journey that fortifies our characters 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

In a corrupt world, we must stay vigilant, for we can easily stray into disobedience and sin. Yet, the Holy Spirit is our constant ally, urging us to confess our sins boldly and honestly, empowering us to rise again and continue this lifelong 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 a natural part of this path! Spiritual maturity transforms various aspects of our lives. Sometimes, we may experience a rapid transformation, while at other times, breaking a small, detrimental habit may take considerably longer. Regardless of the scale, the Holy Spirit continually prunes our undesirable traits, ensuring that our actions produce good fruit and bring glory to 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.