Fruitful: Conducive to an abundant yield
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things.”
The Fruit of the Spirit shouldn’t be what we do, but who we are. Its presence is known no matter what circumstances are going on in our lives. When we have surrendered our lives to the control of the Holy Spirit He produces fruit no matter what we are going through at the present time.
Although we have the right to get angry we must temper it with self-control. We may be frustrated that we’re stuck in a holding pattern, waiting on God to move on our behalf, but we must be patient. Someone may get under our skin and irritate the fire out of us, but we are called to love them and show them kindness. We may find refuge in food, shopping, laziness or a harmful addiction but with the immense intervention from the Holy Spirit we can replace our sinful patterns with self control.
I knew I was under the control of the Holy Spirit when I had peace, joy, and faithfulness while waiting for my new heart. People would remark at how I beamed with joy and peace during that storm. I fully believe it was because I was completely surrendered to God’s plan and believed that He would come through. I made a point to stay in the Word every single day, so that the Holy Spirit would be alive and active in me.
Fruitful Christians are sensitive to the Spirit’s convictions. Will we mess up? You can bet on it. However, if we’re actively dying to self and allowing the Holy Spirit to produce the fruits of the spirit in our lives we will quickly recognize that we’re wrong and return to the Lord in obedience. Attempting to produce fruit on our own merit is impossible. The Christian walk isn’t about trying harder; it’s about yielding to the Spirit. It’s called Fruit of the Spirit, not fruit of (insert your name here).
Do you see that your spiritual fruit basket is lacking? Is finding peace and patience with a certain person an impossible task? Do you desire more self-control in your life? We are transformed into the image of Christ when we yield control of our lives. Take a moment to quiet yourself before the Lord and ask that the Holy Spirit indwell you in a way that you’ve never experienced before.
Love this, great reminder to me this morning. Love your blog, Angela!
Posted by: Karyn | May 19, 2011 at 07:15 AM