But the fruit of the Spirit is …
Summary: As Paul begins to teach us about the fruit of the Spirit, it is worth taking a moment to consider why God’s Spirit changes who we are and how others see us.
Paul paints a picture with his words. At times, he uses a broad brush and covers large portions of the canvas quickly. At other times, he adds great amounts of detail. This section of his letter we are going through involves lots of detail.
There are two forces at work here. One is the insatiable pit of self-interest that defines “the flesh.” The other is the abundant overflowing artesian well of love for God and others that is characterized by God’s love for us.
The pit of self-interest draws us into an endless loop of trying to feed the cravings of the flesh. The desire for sexual gratification leads to all kinds of debasement. Anything that stands in the way of these cravings is the enemy of self-interest. Like a child throwing a tantrum in the toy store because they can’t have what they want, the “flesh” rages at the slightest frustration with hatred and jealousy.
But the fruit of the Spirit is … different.
The fruit of the Spirit results from God’s presence in our souls. We find comfort and peace in the Spirit’s presence and the assurance that the God of the Bible is very real. The Spirit points us away from the darkness of self-interest toward the source of eternal Light.
When that happens, when we turn our focus from the desires of the flesh to the desires of the Spirit, everything about us changes.
For some people, this is like going to the dentist. We worry about our “flesh” suffering pain and discomfort. What if there is a cavity? What if another crown is needed? The worry puts a frown on our faces and might make us short-tempered. People notice.
After the dentist, with the threat of pain behind us, we can focus on the rest of our day. The thought of going to the ice cream parlor puts a smile on our face, and we are happy again. Suddenly, people like being around us again.
The fruit of the Spirit is like that. People notice. Our lives are happier because we are giving instead of taking. The gifts we give others are the same type of gifts we like to receive. That is what makes them so special.
Application: Keep your eyes on the Light.
Food for Thought: Why is “fruit” a good metaphor for the effects of having God’s Spirit in us?
I think at a basic level, the metaphor of fruit for the effect that the Holy Spirit has on us is a good one because fruit grows naturally in a healthy tree, it helps to identify the tree, and it helps nourish others.
When one makes Christ Lord of their life, invites the Holy Spirit into their heart and allows Him to transform their mind, turn away from sin, and live a life pleasing to God, the attributes of the loving God begin to naturally come forth from within them. I would like to say though, that the measure that comes forth depends on the measure one gives to God. If one excludes God from portions of their life, they limit the affect of the Holy Spirit. Desiring and praying for the fruit is always good, and I find that His working in one area will also bring fruit in another.
The fruit of the Spirit helps others to see Christ within us (externally), and serve as proof of His Spirit within us (internally). I am sure it is not just me that thanks God for His grace and mercy when after I respond to a situation in love, and realize after that 1 year ago, 2 years ago…I remember reacting in fear and anger to a similar situation, but my reaction today a natural expression of love and grace. That energizes me! That is proof of the Living God within me.
When our response is in love, the fruit of the Spirit, it is a comfort to others. It instills confidence in others. It build others up. It displaces their fear. It dispels anger. It nourishes their soul.
Matthew 7:16-20 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Thanks, Chris!
Good words! I especially like your comment that “fruit grows naturally in a healthy tree.” It does.
I hadn’t thought about this but its true, “it helps to identify the tree, and it helps nourish others.”
Three great reasons for the fruit metaphor!
I thought of another one last night; The fruit contains “the seeds!”
I like it!!
The seeds are what God uses to grow his kingdom. 🙂
Why is “fruit” a good metaphor for the effects of having God’s Spirit in us?
Jesus teaches, My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way you become my disciples.
John 15:8
Our bible teaches: “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
The term “bearing fruit” in the Bible is used to describe the results of faith, obedience and intentionality in the lives of believers. The term also points to the outcome of one’s relationship with God as the fruits of the Spirit that can be seen in the life of a believer who is living out the teachings of Jesus.
Bearing spiritual fruit is not just about actions, it is also about the attitude of the heart. To truly bear good fruit, we must be motivated by total loving submission and adoration of God, rather than self-righteousness. We must be humble and obedient to God and His Word and be willing to submit to His power as we love and serve others, no matter how difficult it may be.
Bearing spiritual fruit is important because it brings glory to God and points to a deeper relationship with Him. When we bear good fruit, we are displaying the fruits of our relationship with Him. This is a powerful testimony to both believers and non-believers, and is why Jesus encourages us to bear much fruit.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
Just as branches cannot produce fruit on their own, we cannot live fruitful lives without remaining in Jesus. It is through our relationship with Him that we are able to manifest the fruits of the Spirit.
Ron,
I appreciate how you point us to the connection between the branch and root. Without Jesus, the branch can do nothing. With Jesus, the branch is filled with life and life bursts forth as fruit.
Thank you!!
Why is “fruit” a good metaphor for the effects of having God’s Spirit in us? Because like Durian, Jackfruit, Rambutan, Cherimoya, Mangosteen, Horned melon, Buddha’s hand, Dragon fruit, Pitaya, Ackee, Lychee, Passion fruit, Guava, Jabuticaba, Miracle fruit, Romanesco, avocadoes, string beans, squash, eggplant, green pepper and okra some are a little odd and wouldn’t be thought of or consider, but still God’s creation
Tim,
Thank you for sharing this thought! You put me in mind of John 3:8 —
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
In this passage Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit and how the Spirit manifests itself in our lives. Just as you describe a wide variety of fruit, so the Spirit can show up in a wide variety of ways.
Praise God!
Thank you Jeff.
Thanks Jeff, I enjoyed the readings
Hi JC!
Thank you for stopping by!