PRODUCING FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
The biblical Word of God says: A tree is known by the fruit it produces (Matt. 12:33). And a person who has been born again of the Spirit of God will produce fruit of the Spirit (Matthew 3:8). Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” of the Spirit (John 15:5).
According to Galatians 5:22, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When one looks at this list of things, one may feel that they are not capable of producing them. Yet, with the almighty help of the indwelling Holy Spirit whom God gives to whomever abides in his Son Jesus Christ (John 14:15-17), you can progressively do all these things (Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:28):
LOVE. The Bible says love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind; and love others as you love yourself Luke (10:27). Jesus gave a new command for us to love others as the Lord has loved us (John 13:33).
JOY. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). My soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation (Psalm 35:9). Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith—our perfect example– who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).
PEACE. Jesus said, “my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives” (John 14:27). In the world, people’s hearts may fail them from fear of the great crises they see; and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth (Luke 21:26; 1 Thessalonians 5:3). They may try to escape or offset these troubles by “all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” ( 1 John 2:6)–These may include temporary measures of self-gratification found in partying, getting high on drugs and alcohol, inflating their sense of power and position, etc. However, the Lord gives us everlasting heavenly peace which surpasses understanding–even in a world of troubles—when our eyes are stayed on him (Philippians 4:7; Isaiah 26:3).
LONGSUFFERING. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart (Psalm 27:14). They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). For we can endure and do all things through Christ who strengthen us by the Spirit of God.
KINDNESS. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).
GOODNESS. As you have opportunity, do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10). But be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven (Matthew 6:1). But whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Furthermore, the Bible says, you should not boast in your works as though they can save you. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
FAITHFULNESS. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of Life. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:12-13).
The Lord said, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of Life (Revelation 2:1).
GENTLENESS. Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another (Roman 12:10). Gently instruct those who oppose the truth; perhaps God will change their hearts, and they will learn the truth (2 Timothy 2:25)
SELF-CONTROL. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Roman 12:21).
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things (Philippians 4:8).
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came that we “may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10); and produce “much fruit” of the Spirit (John 7:38-39; John 15:5). We have abundant life and are able to produce much fruit of the Spirit, as a result of repenting and believing in the Son of God; and obeying the Word of God, with the help of the indwelling Spirit of God (Acts 2:38; John 14:15-17).
