GRACE PRODUCES FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22-26
It is important to note that: the Greek word translated “fruit” refers to the natural product/offspring of a living thing. This word “fruit” was used to help readers understand the product of the Holy Spirit, who lives inside of us. The fruit of the Spirit is produced by the Spirit of God, and not by the Christian. Further Greek translation of the word fruit is singular, showing that “fruit” is a unified whole, and not independent characteristics. As we mature in faith, all the characteristics of Christ will be manifested in our lives.
It is imperative to say that, just like physical fruit needs time to grow, the fruit of the Spirit will not ripen in our lives overnight. Like a good farmer must consistently fight against weeds to enjoy the sweet fruit they desire, we must constantly work to rid our lives of the “weeds” of our old sin nature (works of the flesh) that want to choke out the work of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives us the inner strength we require per time to reject those old sinful desires. We can say “no” to sin and accept the “escape route” faithfully provided us by God, (1 Corinthians 10:13) if we follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
As we give the Spirit more control of our lives, He begins to do in and through us what only He can do – to shape us and mature us to be transformed into the same image of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
Subsequently God’s ultimate goal for all His children is for us to be like Jesus (Romans 8:29). The Holy Ghost constantly works to rid our lives of the “acts of the sinful nature” (Gal 5:19) and manifestation of His fruit instead. Hence, the presence of the “fruit of the Spirit” is evidence that our character is becoming more like Christ’s.
MEMORY VERSE: Gal.5:21
PRAYERS: I receive Grace to grow the fruit of the Spirit on a daily basis.
