Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Fruit of the spirit 

Paul offers an interesting insight into the effect of the Holy Spirit on our lives. The Message Bible says, “He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard”. As we are planted in the church, watered by reading the word of God and bathe in the sunshine of Jesus love, so the Holy Spirit develops these characteristics in our lives.  Note these are not merely human qualities such as patience but the supernatural patience of God Himself that can only come from the Holy Spirit.  But also note that these qualities only grow as we keep in close relationship with the Spirit and authentic fellowship with others.

We have two trees at home. One is a plastic Christmas tree that never grows even though we expose it to the light every year. The other is planted in the rich soil of the garden and has grown from a small shoot to over 30 meters tall. The reason for the difference is obvious. One simply sits there whilst the other takes in and processes its environment of light, water and nutrients to grow. To produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit we need to “take Him in”.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, as I take You in, may You develop the supernatural qualities of Jesus in my life