For the last few days I keep returning to same portion of Scripture. In writing to the Galatians, Paul gives a list of misdeeds, or behavior we should not exhibit in our lives. But it is the list of behaviors we should possess that fully has my attention lately.
“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 5:22-23, NASB)
My commentary states these characteristics are listed in groups of three: love, joy, peace; patience, kindness, goodness; and faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.It then goes on to say this:
“Lightfoot suggested the following categorizations of the nine graces: the first three comprising habits of the Christian mind, the second reflecting social intercourse and neighborly concern, and the third exhibiting the principles that guide a Christian’s conduct. More simply still, J. Stott has described this list as a cluster of nine Christian graces that portray the believer’s attitude to God, to other people, and to himself.”
(from The New American Commentary, Vol. 30, page 399)
The list of these traits can seem daunting, as who can possibly have all of these in every given days. Yet we are told the Holy Spirit begins His work in our lives the moment Christ entered our lives.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit that develops or produces the qualities, the character, of Jesus in us.
But here is what keeps gnawing at my soul – it is fruit that He alone produces.
Different fruit grow on different trees, in different seasons, and in different orchards.
We are all unique and different persons and the rate of fruit growth in our lives will be different. None of us grow at the same rate, develop the same fruit, or at the same time.
As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, going back to the quote from my commentary, we will find our lives functioning by godly principles. Those very principles will enable us to walk with God, get along with others, and struggle less within ourselves.
God alone knows how He will produce the fruit in our lives.
It is our role to submit to the process,
and He will grow the fruit in our lives.
Sometimes a photo can speak a thousand words. That is what happened when I saw the photo Lisa Brittain shared in her post, “We all have roots” HERE. Then she shared her words: “Be a hero for your generations and your family name.” Read her post and be blessed.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Interesting perspective, to see those fruit clustered together, bunch by bunch. And so meaningful to see that each orchard is its own unique self, changing from season to season.
What a lovely start to this beautiful day, Joanne. Thank you for this morning meditation.
Joanne, it is a grace that the Holy Spirit alone produces fruit in our lives. We do not need to struggle or perform, God is at work keeping His promises. I love that the fruit also personifies the first great commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and the second, to love our neighbor as ourselves.
The fruit is an outward demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s enabling us to love God, ourselves and others fully empowered by God. Don’t you just love that while God requires this level of living and loving, He does not require us to do it, but through Holy Spirit, He accomplishes it through us?
I’ve wasted a lot of time looking longingly at the fruit others have produced and wondering why my harvest is [fill in the blank]. How wonderful to be reminded of this: “We are all unique and different persons and the rate of fruit growth in our lives will be different. None of us grow at the same rate, develop the same fruit, or at the same time.”
I like the categories. They make sense. I also like that our part is to submit to the Holy Spirit and let His life He produce fruit. Of course, we must cooperate and do our part. But self-effort is no substitute for the dynamic power of the Spirit. Someone noted that is like tying fruit on a tree instead of nurturing the roots and letting the tree produce fruit.
What a wonderful reminder to allow God’s work in our lives in the unique way God intends. We don’t need to compare. We simply need to grow and go as God leads.
One of the prayers I pray for my family and loved ones is that they will grow in the fruits of the spirit. I figure you can’t go wrong with a prayer like that!
I had not realized the fruit of the Spirit was listed in groups of three–though I tend to say them that way to keep them straight in my own mind.
I’ve often needed the reminder that this fruit is God’s work, not something I work up. Though we’re to cooperate with Him and take in the light and nourishment of His Word, He makes the fruit grow. And I’ve been comforted by the reminder that growing fruit takes time.
So much food for thought in your reflection, Joanne! I actually love the way the author categorized the fruits of the spirit – it reminds me of the great commandments. And I appreciate the analogy of fruit/believers growing at different rates. Wishing you a great weekend ahead!
Joanne, such a great message. Galatians is one of my favorite books of the Bible and I’ve always thought chapter 5 was powerful and needed in my life. It’s important to see the list of misdeeds Paul lists ahead of the fruit of the Spirit. That’s why verse 22 leads with “but” after all. This is sobering:
“It is the work of the Holy Spirit that develops or produces the qualities, the character, of Jesus in us.” If we can remember this truth and walk in the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit.
Only Christ can make us Christlike, Joanne, yet we co-labor with Him through surrender and willingness to follow His lead.
Joanne, I love this lesson today. Your thoughts and insights have me reflecting on this passage.
Thank you for sharing Ms. Joanne. I’ve often referred to the Fruits of the Spirit as the “Measuring Stick of My Faith.” Like the marks we used to put on the walls to mark our children’s growth year over year, I liken these fruits of our Christian walk in the same light. If we can’t see growth in each of these areas year after year, then we’ve got work to do.