The Truth Revealed by Fruit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” - Galatians 5:22-23
When I was a child, I found it odd that the Bible refers to the qualities produced by the Holy Spirit as “fruit.” But the choice of this metaphor makes perfect sense. Fruit has a unique way of revealing the truth about a tree, just as the fruit of the Spirit reveals the truth about a believer’s relationship with God.
When we moved into our house, the previous owner pointed out two trees in the yard, claiming they were plum trees. To me, they looked like ordinary trees. Over the next few years, while my other trees were producing pears, figs, and other fruits, these “plum trees” produced nothing. After a while, I began to doubt their identity. They looked like trees, but they failed to produce plums. And so, I nicknamed them “liars.”
Then, one day, after five years of waiting, I saw it—bright, juicy red plums hanging from the branches. Finally, I had undeniable proof that these trees were indeed plum trees. Their fruit revealed their true identity.
In the same way, the fruit of the Spirit reveals the truth about us. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the characteristics of this fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not just virtues to strive for; they are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
Just as the presence of plums confirmed the identity of the trees, these fruits of the Spirit confirm the authenticity of our faith. If the Holy Spirit is at work in you, these qualities will begin to emerge in your life. They show the world the reality of your relationship with God.
Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:24-25, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” This means that living by the Spirit isn’t just about having the right beliefs; it’s about letting those beliefs transform your actions and character.
What fruit is being produced in your life? Does it align with the fruit of the Spirit? Let this be a reminder that true faith in Christ will naturally produce the characteristics that reflect His nature.
When I was a child, I found it odd that the Bible refers to the qualities produced by the Holy Spirit as “fruit.” But the choice of this metaphor makes perfect sense. Fruit has a unique way of revealing the truth about a tree, just as the fruit of the Spirit reveals the truth about a believer’s relationship with God.
When we moved into our house, the previous owner pointed out two trees in the yard, claiming they were plum trees. To me, they looked like ordinary trees. Over the next few years, while my other trees were producing pears, figs, and other fruits, these “plum trees” produced nothing. After a while, I began to doubt their identity. They looked like trees, but they failed to produce plums. And so, I nicknamed them “liars.”
Then, one day, after five years of waiting, I saw it—bright, juicy red plums hanging from the branches. Finally, I had undeniable proof that these trees were indeed plum trees. Their fruit revealed their true identity.
In the same way, the fruit of the Spirit reveals the truth about us. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the characteristics of this fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not just virtues to strive for; they are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
Just as the presence of plums confirmed the identity of the trees, these fruits of the Spirit confirm the authenticity of our faith. If the Holy Spirit is at work in you, these qualities will begin to emerge in your life. They show the world the reality of your relationship with God.
Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:24-25, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” This means that living by the Spirit isn’t just about having the right beliefs; it’s about letting those beliefs transform your actions and character.
What fruit is being produced in your life? Does it align with the fruit of the Spirit? Let this be a reminder that true faith in Christ will naturally produce the characteristics that reflect His nature.
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