The fruit of the Spirit is a set of virtues that grow in people who are rooted in Christ and watered by faith. The fruit of the Spirit is described in Galatians 5:22-23:
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
Did you know you can bear the fruit of the Spirit throughout all four seasons if you remain connected with God? Let me show you how this can happen but first let’s consider what constitutes the Fruit of the Spirit.
Each segment of fruit symbolizes God’s character that is manifest in us by means of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and works within each of us to reflect it back on Him. He guides each one of us to reflect Christ as part of his Body on earth. Therefore it is vitally important that we remain grounded in his love and favor “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way”- Colossians 1:10 NIV
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)
Fruit of the Spirit is the manifestation of living an unashamedly Christian life. Cultivated under the direction of the Holy Spirit, this fruit symbolizes our surrendered life in Christ and can only come forth through surrendered lives that allow His power to transform sinful flesh desires with holy desires. Though transformation cannot come about on its own, when God plants seeds within each life the Holy Spirit nurtures and allows growth for that fruit of Spirit that ultimately brings joyous scent across to world around us – as seen through the conduct and character of true believers as represented by their conduct and character – as “good trees produce good fruits likewise.” – Matthew 12:33 NIV
Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
– Matthew 12:33 (NIV)
You can cultivate spiritual fruit by drawing closer to God. God has shown His infinite grace toward each of us and this allows access to His love and forgiveness. When you spend time reading His word and conversing with Him, He grants power against temptations so you may grow in grace and holiness. Just as branches cannot produce fruit without being connected to a vine, so too you cannot blossom as Christ’s followers without abiding in Him.
I am the vine; you are its branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; without me you can do nothing.
– John 15:5 NIV
Abiding in Christ requires total dependence upon Him. Without His help, fruitful bearing is impossible on your own.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; submit all your ways to him, and he will make straight paths for you
– Proverbs 3:5-6
Unconnected trees quickly wither and fade; but when you connect with Christ as the true vine, He provides daily sustenance that will ensure your survival and allow you to bear His fruit of the Spirit – ultimately creating lasting spiritual satisfaction in both heart and mind.
The fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23:
Click on each of the links above to learn more about that aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit