But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.— Galatians 5:22–23
“I’m producing too much fruit of the Spirit,” said no one, ever.
Being known as … loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled (whew, what a list!) is both desirable and beneficial to ourselves and our people. But if we are honest, in most circumstances, these don’t come naturally. For example, anyone who has tried to be patient with a tired, hangry toddler knows patience doesn’t magically grow on trees. It has to be cultivated.
Growing bountiful veggies in a garden doesn’t magically happen either. The soil needs to be tilled, seeds need to be planted, sunshine and water are added, and weeds pulled. When the conditions are right, the seed will emerge from the soil and produce a harvest that brings both blessing and delight to the farmer and his community.
We want a bountiful harvest of the fruit of the Spirit, so let’s be intentional about working with God to prepare the soil of our heart! As you walk with His Spirit in you, cultivating good soil and planting the seeds, God will bring the growth!
Prepare the soil of your heart with a prayer to align with His Spirit and to remove anything that is not beneficial to growth. “Dear God, please create in me a clean heart, renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
Plant the seed of God’s Word in your heart as you read the Bible and think about it throughout your day.
Allow time for Jesus daily. He is the sunshine and living water needed to nourish your soul.
Wait for God’s promise to produce the fruit of the Spirit in your life!
The results of love, joy, peace, and so much more are a beautiful blessing to you and your people, just as a bountiful harvest of veggies is to the farmer and his community. Thanks for joining Life 96.5 on the Grounded Life journey!