THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.     – Galatians 5:22-23

 

In a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to George Washington, he said, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute the most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.”

On another occasion, Jefferson would say that “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens.”

If you visit Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Central Virginia, you will have the opportunity to walk among the grounds and gardens. In addition to being a political figure, Jefferson would say he was a farmer. His journals recall the way he studied how things grow, including flowering plants, orchards, and vegetables.

He knew that no matter how well he applied science to farming or gardening, the results were in God’s hands.  

 

In the life of the Christ follower, the Holy Spirit is a “gentleman farmer.” It is He who produces fruit in the life of a believer.

The listing in today’s passage is a good checklist for your spiritual produce department. 

The seeds of your fruit-bearing were planted at the time of your salvation.

Growth happens as you live out your sanctification—becoming more like Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you. As you grow in Christ, the fruit matures. For some, it may take longer than for others.

In Jesus’ lesson on the vine and the branches, He reminds you that fruit is the result of you abiding in Him.

Theologian John Piper says, “It’s trusting in Jesus, remaining in fellowship with Jesus, connecting to Jesus so that all that God is for us in Him is flowing like a life-giving sap into our lives. That’s number one: abiding is believing, trusting, savoring, resting, receiving.”

Keep in step with the Lord and His Holy Spirit for a bountiful and fruit-filled life that will persuade others to want to “taste and see that the Lord is good”

(Galatians 5:5, Psalm 34:8).