The Fruit of the Spirit

Today’s reading is out of Galatians 5:22-25. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.

What happens when you water an apple tree? The tree produces apples! The tree doesn’t have to think about it or try harder; it just produces the apples. And we can see it with our own eyes. Similarly, when we walk in-step with the Holy Spirit, He produces fruit in our lives that the people around us can see and experience (“taste”). Today, we explore what expressing Christ-like character actually looks like. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it is a great starting point.

Galatians 5:22-25 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Reflect

1. According to verse 24, who must we belong to if we want to see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives?
2. Paul uses the word, “fruit.” Not, “fruits,” plural. The fruit. It is a package deal, all of which should be evident in our life. We can’t just choose to only grow in love, but refuse to be patient. Which of the fruit do you feel like the Spirit has made most evident in your life?
3. Which fruit would you like to see God develop more within you? What are some ways you can be proactive in developing this fruit?
4. Who in your life is displaying the fruit of the Spirit? What can you learn from them?

Act

Pick one fruit each day you wish to focus on developing, and put it into practice throughout your day.
At the end of the week, ask yourself; “Was I more patient this week than I was last week?” Maybe even ask someone you trust, and see if their response is the same as yours.

Pray

Holy Spirit, I want to see more evidence of Your fruit in my life. I recognize that I need Your help to show people Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I want more of You in my life. Amen.