For You, An Abundant Harvest (Fruits of the Spirit Epilogue)

Summing up the fruits of the Spirit

I must say, I don't consciously walk around wondering which fruit (love, peace, patience, etc.) I am, or should be operating in. The Holy Spirit causes these nine things to flow automatically when I maintain my focus, inwardly, upon God (Proverbs 3:5-6 shows us how to do that). The fact that these qualities are so markedly different from the unreasonable facsimiles that the world offers is proof that we are connected to a higher source. Namely, God. And as these are all aspect of God's nature, and "God is love" (1 John 4:8), then we must know that each fruit is an aspect of His great love for us.

"For the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth in the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:" (Colossians 1:5-6)

In the Bible, the word fruit is used to signify results. The secret to lasting and enduring change-for-the-better (i.e. results) is that whatever is done, however small, is done in love. A blueberry is just as much a piece fruit as an apple or a watermelon. What I mean is, the slightest, most insignificant act done "in love and the spirit of meekness" (1 Corinthians 4:21) is enough to get God's presence to show up and change circumstances and situations. A flurry of activity happens all the time and all around us and if we don't appeal to God for His presence in our activities, then the work of our hands will all be for naught. Only God can make a desert bear fruit. And the selfless love that Jesus exhibited (and still does) is the key to seeing God effloresce and blossom in our lives, in our communities, our society and our world. "The harvest truly is plenteous..." (Matthew 9:37).

"Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things. Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength." (Joel 2:21-22)

Jesus says in John 15 (vs .8) that His Father is glorified as we bear "much fruit" and as such, we are Jesus' disciples. In closing, may God richly bless your life with an abundant harvest of the fruits of His Spirit!

Fructify!

Can't We Please Think About the Parents? (Ten Commandments Redux part 5)

Selfless Self-Control (Fruits of the Spirit part 9)