We all sang the catchy tune in Vacation Bible School or church choir growing up: "The fruit of the spirit isn't a coconut, the fruit of the spirit isn't a watermelon, no the fruit of the spirit isn't an *insert any given, edible fruit*, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." If you were like me, you had that song stuck in your head for the rest of the day, but probably never gave it any true thought.
It wasn't until a few years down the road, as I grew in my faith, that I learned what "fruits" Paul was referring to in the book of Galatians and how important they are to living a life for Christ.
We, as Christians, should bear some type of fruit in our lives as evidence as the work God has done in and through us. When I read Galatians 5:22-23, I look at it as a sort of map to help guide me through this roller coaster of an earthly life we live.
I look at it as a goal to bear the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in my walk with Him, no matter how many trials or tribulations come my way. I also look at is a promise from our Creator- a promise to help us in every situation we're in by giving us the ability to bear those fruits.
The fruits of the spirit are crucial to a fervent walk with Christ; ensuring that the fruit you are bearing in your own life reflects the goodness and glory of God is hard at times, but always necessary.
As Christians, we must be the light for those in the dark, the hope for those in despair, and possess Godly fruit that will lead others towards the foot of the cross.
I love Galatians 5:22-23, and I strive to live each day conscious of the fruit I am bearing. No, I don't by any means bear good fruit in all aspects of my life every single day, but no one does- that's a part of our sin fallen nature. However, we must live aware and make an effort to bear Godly fruit that pushes others towards an eternal life with the one true King.
He blesses each of us with unique fruits that are a trademark to us. God gives us all different gifts and talents so we may better lead others towards Him.
You may say, "No, there is no special fruit or talent I can use to lead others towards Him." I'm guilty of that as well. But there is!!! and you can!!! You just have to find it and put it to good use.
Whether it be singing, dancing, writing, speaking, or simply lending a listening ear, we can all use our special fruits to point others towards their Heavenly Father.
Bring others to Him by being more like Him, bear ripe fruit that will point others to His perfect character, and discover your unique fruit designed just for you to bring fellow lost souls to the ever present, overflowing love of God.
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
