Love God Greatly - Abiding in Jesus: Bearing Fruit That LastsSample

Week 2: Abiding in Jesus: Bearing Lasting Fruit

The Fruit of the Spirit

Read: Galatians 5:22-23

SOAP: Galatians 5:22

"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." (NET)

Into the Text

Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a glimpse of the Spiritual Fruit God wants to grow in and through us. This list isn't exhaustive, but it's a good summary of the Fruit that will grow in the life of a Christian - a Godly Character. Some of these characteristics, or "Fruits," are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.

As we deepen our relationship with Jesus and allow His Spirit to nourish us, we will naturally start becoming more and more like Him. But just like it takes time for some fruit to grow, the same is true with Spiritual Fruit in our lives. So be patient with yourself. Spiritual Fruit will begin to show up in the way we love others, extend kindness, remain patient, and seek peace. Over time, we should notice our lives taking on the beautiful character of Jesus more and more, and give us just the encouragement we need to show that we truly belong to Christ.

The growth of all these Fruits of the Spirit leads to our growth in Holiness. Having these Fruits in our lives will make the Beauty of God's Holy Character shine through our everyday lives.

One way to check in on our Spiritual Growth is to look at the Fruit we are producing. Are we becoming more loving, patient, and joyful? Do we find ourselves desiring to be kind, gentle, and faithful? If so, we're on the right path, making steady (even if slow) progress in becoming more like Jesus.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, please help me to grow and produce more Spiritual Fruit in my life. Let Your Character shine through me so that I can reflect Your Holiness to those around me. Amen.