Did you know that you can bear the fruit of the spirit in all seasons, as long as you stay in connection to God? Oh yes, allow me to share with you how you can achieve this but first, let’s start by looking at what exactly is the fruit of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. -Galatians 5: 22-23
Each segment of the fruit reflects God’s character that is reproduced in us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in each of us to reflect the character of Christ. It is important to remain rooted in the love and favor of God “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” -Colossians 1:10 NIV
The fruit of the spirit is the demonstration of a surrendered life to Christ. This fruit is cultivated under the guidance of the Holy Spirit who works in our lives to destroy our sinful nature of the flesh and replace it with holy desires. This transformation cannot be attained in our own strength, but as God plants the seed in each of our lives, the Holy Spirit gently nurtures the seed.
This results in the growth and production of luscious fruit of the Spirit that allows us to spread its sweet fragrance to the world. The fruit of the Spirit is represented in the life of the true believer in their conduct and character. “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad,
-Matthew 12:33 NIV
You can cultivate the fruit of the spirit as you choose to draw closer to God. God has extended His unmerited favor to each of us and for this reason, you have access to His love and forgiveness. When you choose to spend time in His word and commune with Him, He will grant you power to resist temptations so that you can grow in His grace and holiness. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit, if it is not connected to the vine, so too you cannot flourish in Christ, unless you abide in Him. He says:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5 NIV.
Abiding in Christ is dependent upon your total reliance on Him. You cannot bear good fruit on your own self-reliance. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:5-6.
A tree that is disconnected quickly shrivels and fades but when you choose to spend time in total connection with Christ – the true vine, you will benefit from His daily nourishment. This wellspring of blessings will allow you to bear His fruit of the Spirit so that you can flourish, as He fills your heart and mind with Godly desires.
