Fruits Of The Spirit

Tuesday, May 8, 2018
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Galatians 5:22-23 – 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. (NIV)

When I read about the fruits of the Holy Spirit, I quickly realize how shallow I am, and that despite my best intentions, I can never display all of these blessings on any given day. I recognize my sinful shortcomings and become fully aware that I am usually to blame for the scarcity of these beautiful fruits in my life. I resolve to try harder to bear these gifts and share them with others, but then, something or someone annoys me, and I end up withering the fruits of the Spirit by smothering them with my own pride and selfish ways.

When Paul was writing to the Galatian Christians, he knew that they were also suffering from this spiritual deficit. They were undergoing an internal conflict which had the potential of disrupting the whole congregation. Paul's letter was sent to remind them of the gifts of the Spirit that had initially been experienced among them. He was hoping to encourage the Galatians to rediscover common ministries, missions, and purposes among them which would unite them again and make their witness to the wider community effective. They could not do this by themselves or by their own strength; they had to get back to relying on God and depending on the presence of the Holy Spirit in their own lives, as well as in their congregation.

In these days of spiritual turmoil in our churches and divisions within our denominations, Paul's message about the fruits of the Spirit is as relevant now as it was way back then. When we sincerely seek the presence of the Holy Spirit amongst us, then we are given an authentic calling to go out into the wider community in order to show and share those beautiful gifts — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — to a broken world, which needs those fruits to be healed of all the fear and fragmentation which is dividing our people and desolating our planet.

Points to ponder: Which fruit of the Spirit could be most effective in my life at this time? Am I willing to ask and wait for the Spirit to work this gift into my life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You promised to send Your Holy Spirit to us to build up our faith and our churches. Help us to seek the sacred fruits which the Spirit can offer, so that we may support one another and reach out to the wider community. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    May it be so, John.


    Thanks John for this reminder to be fruitful for Christ. Blessings.


    Greetings John,
    Thank you for another very good devotional. What a beautiful world it would be if each of us considered and worked on showing the fruits of the spirits each day. How pleased our Lord would be that we would open our hearts and pour forth the blessings of the Holy Spirit in us.
    Many blessings to you for your writings.


    Dear John,
    I’m very unknowledgeable about the scriptures but try my best to understand. I know you have many years of studying, preaching and writing. Your devotions are always inspiring. Just an observation from a recent post, “Fruits of the Spirit.” The bible refers to “fruit of the spirit”. To me there appears to be a difference, one fruit, containing all the qualities. I’d appreciate to understand the difference.


    Hello John
    This was a good one and I appreciate the question. As I look at my choices I am not 100{8395b6ce96fcf25a14d80edc3b65c36a8995b6c1ba5f8c16ac11d8adaa79f35b} all of the time with them all for sure. If I had to pick one (to start with), I would pick self-control. Since this can affect different parts of life I am thinking right now as far as weight goes. I need the Holy Spirit to help me with self-control so I can be more aware of food choices and amounts. I am working on staying on the path of losing weight but I need the Holy Spirit for that because I cannot do it alone.
    God bless.


    Dear John Stuart,
    Thank you for a precious devotional.
    Keep writing.


    Dear Rev. Stuart,
    I have been thinking for several days about your expressed feelings and opinions regarding your fruits or the supposed lack of them. I believe you are too hard on yourself. Has it occurred to you that you may not be aware of them because they are not visible to you? We cannot force the fruit to grow in our lives but I think we all (in our hearts) hope and trust that God is working and gradually moulding us into His image. Now in my older years I hope that simple gratitude, patience and love will be pleasing to God. “Old trees” no longer produce the sweet fruit they once did, or do they?
    I know that Your devotionals always speak to me every time I receive one from you.
    Please continue to trust God to minister to all of us who receive them. Praise his name!!

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