Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit
A Path Worth Following
When we embark on a new journey, it can be daunting, especially if we’re breaking new ground. However, when we follow in the footsteps of those who have come before us, the path becomes much clearer. This is particularly true when it comes to living a life guided by the Spirit.
The Fruit of the Spirit: A Checklist or a Lifestyle?
Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How often do we read this list and feel like we’re falling short? We may think, “I’m loving, but only towards certain people,” or “I’m patient, until someone pushes my buttons.” This mindset can lead to feelings of conviction and determination to do better, but it can also become overwhelming.
The Power of Alignment
The key to living a life that bears fruit is not trying harder, but rather aligning ourselves with the Spirit. As Galatians 5:24 reminds us, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there” (NLT). Our motivation and power come from the Spirit, not our own efforts.
Keeping in Step with the Spirit
Galatians 5:25 encourages us to “keep in step with the Spirit.” This means that our job is not to produce the fruit, but to walk in alignment with the Savior, allowing the Spirit to live his life in and through us. We’ve all experienced moments where we’ve been in step with the Spirit, responding to situations with grace and love that surprised even ourselves. God wants this to be the norm, not the exception.
A Journey of Transformation
Over the next nine weeks, we’ll be exploring each of the fruits of the Spirit in depth. As we do, I pray that you’ll allow the Spirit to transform you from the inside out, revealing the beauty of God’s presence in your life. May you bear much fruit as you keep in step with the Spirit, manifesting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Living by the Spirit
As we embark on this journey, let’s remember that living by the Spirit is not just an idea or a sentiment, but a reality that we can experience in every detail of our lives. May we choose to follow the Spirit, allowing him to express himself through us, and bearing fruit that brings glory to God.
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