The Fruit of the Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 

Galatians 2:22-23 (ESV)

We have been studying the book of Galatians in our adult Sunday school class at church. It is a book filled with admonitions, encouragement, and the assurance that we are saved by faith, rather than works. These two little verses are often memorized by children and adults alike. It is a simple passage, brimming with symbolism and ripe with possibilities for illustration. We once had a "Fruit of the Spirit tree" on the wall of our dining room, complete with fruits dangling from the branches -- a homeschool project we made as a visual reminder of the character traits we should exhibit as Christians. 

The Fruit of the Spirit is not something we can produce on our own, however. Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5). Just as a branch pruned from a tree will not grow apples, we cannot bear fruit by ourselves. We must be connected to the Vine. With prayer and worship, the reading of the Word, and fellowship with other believers, we can receive the nourishment we need to live by the Spirit and produce that fruit.

But that's not all. While fruit is desirable, and evidence of the Holy Spirit in us, that's not the end. Every fruit contains a seed. When others see the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives and wonder where it came from, we have an opportunity to share the message of salvation, and a seed is planted in their hearts. By the grace of God, that seed can sprout and grow in their lives, ultimately producing more fruit for His glory!

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:8 (ESV)