9 November | EVERYONE
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5: 22-25
Have you ever wondered why, despite trying so hard to walk in God's ways and to be patient, humble, meek, and tolerant, you find yourself painfully moving in the opposite direction?
Today's text provides the keys: These qualities cannot be the product of your effort, but the fruit of the Spirit. If you receive it, it will be because you have agreed to "walk by the Spirit" and no longer by "the flesh,” in coherence with the new birth. Surrendering your will gives way to that fruit of love, joy, peace, patience...
Notice that there are not several fruits of the Spirit. The Bible speaks of a single fruit that has different facets. If you love, you will have joy and peace in your heart, and the result will be patience, gentleness, kindness, and so on. However, it is necessary to understand that the Spirit is one with God the Father and with the Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, to walk with the Spirit is to walk with God and with Jesus Christ. From there, the transformation of our character will be extraordinary. "If Christ be within us, we shall crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 128).
The result of that life of constant fellowship with the Spirit is the fruit that makes Christians a source of life springing up unto life. But remember that fruit is fruit, with its consequence and subsequent result. It is an effect and not a cause. You do not walk with the Spirit because you are patient, but you are patient because you walk with the Spirit. You just stay connected to the vine, and the grapes appear naturally.
Take Action
Be patient with yourself. The fruit never appears instantly. Lettuce can be harvested in three weeks, but oranges only in two years and hearts of palm in forty. You are not expected to bear fruit, but to abide in Christ. Sing "The Fruit of the Spirit" (if possible, with your family).