When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, these attributes are produced in our lives. And it's our job to cultivate the fruits of the spirit. It can be easy to slip back into old habits and attitudes. So it's important to be intentional about what fruits you produce.
Love- An unselfish, loyal, and humble concern for others. Love is more than a feeling; it's a choice to see that others' needs are met before your own and seek the highest good for others.
Joy- A deep sense of well-being, rooted in God. It's not like worldly happiness, which is circumstantial. But it stands on the fundamental truth that God is always good.
Peace- A feeling of tranquility, unaffected by outward circumstances. But found in the assurance of God's presence and His ability to work everything for our good.
Patience- The ability to accept and endure delay, suffering, or adversity, without becoming angry or discouraged. Patience is connected to trust and knowing God is working in the waiting.
Kindness- A gentle and good nature characterized by compassion, generosity, grace, and good works.
Goodness- Being morally right and virtuous, doing what pleases God. Goodness is a reflection of God's character at work in our lives.
Faithfulness- Steadfast loyalty and unwavering trust in God. Faithfulness is motivated by our love and obedience to God and is rooted in His own faithfulness to us.
Gentleness- A humble and kind approach that treats others with care and respect. Gentleness reflects the character of Christ.
Self-Control- Restraint over our thoughts, desires, and actions, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a disciplined life that honors God.
Jesus says you can identify someone by their fruit, or their actions. We should be mindful of what fruits we're bearing at all times. So when anyone looks at us, they will see Jesus in us.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for your goodness and mercy towards us. Please fill us and empower us with the Holy Spirit to bear the good fruits of the Spirit. Search us and remove any fruits that are not of you. Please help us to be mindful in cultivating the good fruits. Let all that we do glorify you. We thank you and praise you for all you've blessed us with. In Jesus name, Amen.
Verse:
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT