Day 1: Rooted in the Spirit

If you’ve ever tried to keep a plant alive, you know it depends on being rooted in good soil, getting water, and soaking up sunlight. The same is true for our spiritual lives. The fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, and more, isn’t something we manufacture through trying hard enough. It naturally grows when we stay connected to Jesus.

In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a life led by God. But notice that it’s called “fruit”, not “fruits.” That means these qualities aren’t separate goals to achieve but different expressions of a transformed life. They come from one source: the Holy Spirit.

Jesus explains this in John 15:4-5 when He says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” Just like a branch cut off from the tree can’t survive, we can’t produce true spiritual fruit apart from Christ.

Abiding in Jesus means intentionally spending time with Him, not as an obligation, but as a relationship. In the busyness of college life, it can be easy to neglect this. But small choices matter. Reading Scripture, praying throughout the day, and worshiping even in ordinary moments keep us rooted. When we stay connected to Him, the Spirit shapes us into who we’re meant to be, and His fruit becomes evident in our lives.