“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)
“Do not extinguish the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 BSB)
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Romans 8:14 NLT)
For the next few days we are going to look at what the Bible calls the “fruit of the Spirit.” What I have learned in my walk with the Lord is that His expectations for me are very high. As a matter of fact, they are so high that it is impossible for me to achieve them. I think He made it that way on purpose. You see, if I could meet His expectations on my own then I would never know the benefit of relying on the Holy Spirit. Only when I realize that I can’t make it on my own will I learn how to be led by the Spirit. Only when I humbly accept my need for the Spirit’s leading do I stop “extinguishing” His activity in my life.
Here is the best part of all. The Holy Spirit has already deposited within me everything I will ever need to fulfill every expectation the Lord has for me. I already possess love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I can’t think of anything else I would need to be the person I was created to be. And best of all, I have been given enough of each to give them away to everyone I meet.
As we examine the fruits individually, keep in mind that they come from the Holy Spirit. We need to study them in order to identify when they are present, or missing, in our lives. However, our emphasis needs to be on growing in our relationship with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to bear fruit in, and through, us. Much like when we seek first the Kingdom, our daily needs are met; when we seek first the Holy Spirit, our lives begin to manifest fruit.
I sure am glad that I am learning…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 41: “I am a Fruit Grower in the Kingdom of Heaven (quality fruit to give away).” Part 1: Overview