Bearing Fruit

 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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25

I participate in an on-line Bible Study that has been working through the characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit. We are spending two weeks on each sweet Spirit inspired attribute, and I am feeling more than a little convicted.

Life Application Bible notes say this about verses 22 and 23: The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s control – we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without His help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our lives to His. We must know Him, love, Him, remember Him, and imitate Him.

I am reminded of Jesus words in John 15:5:

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

As I am connected to the vine, His Spirit flows through me and I will bear fruit. So, for the days I have cried out for patience “right now,” or the ones where I have failed to show self-control in the kitchen . . . I am so very thankful for Jesus loving gift of forgiveness. He invites me to remain connected to Him through the study of His Word, through prayer, and through praise. As I remain in Him fruit will be evident; that is His promise.

In John 15:8 we read:

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for grafting us to the vine that is Jesus. Thank you for your Spirit who alone makes joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control possible. Forgive us for those times we fail to give glory to You, and enable us in the days to come. In the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.

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