Fulfilling Fruit

From Today’s Reading at BibleInAYearOnline.com

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” - Galatians 5:25 NLT

I was surprised to learn that there are over 7,000 varieties of apples in the world. Just in the United States, at least 100 different kinds are grown and sold commercially. That is just apples. Think about all the other fruits out there. It is no wonder the fruit industry is worth billions of dollars. That is a whole lot of fruit.

But as believers, we are actually called to be fruit producers too. Not in the natural sense, but in a supernatural way. Paul gives us the key in Galatians. He says if we are living by the Spirit, then we should let the Spirit lead us in every part of our lives. Every part. Not just the spiritual things or the Sunday morning things. Every part means our conversations, our choices, our reactions, and our relationships.

And the kind of fruit the Spirit produces is not hidden or complicated. Paul lays it out so clearly. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control. This is not a checklist to work on. These are not traits we have to strain to develop. This is the natural outcome of staying close to the Spirit. Just like a healthy tree produces healthy fruit, a life rooted in the Spirit will overflow with these beautiful qualities.

Here is something else to think about. Fruit is not for the tree. An apple tree does not eat its own apples. Fruit is meant to nourish someone else. So when the Spirit is working in us, the fruit we bear blesses the people around us and ultimately points them back to Jesus.

Reflection Question: What is one area of your life where you can slow down and follow the Spirit’s lead today?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for doing the work in me. I do not have to try harder to be fruitful. I just need to walk closely with You. Help me to trust Your leading in every part of my life. May the fruit You produce in me be a blessing to others and bring glory to Jesus. In His name I pray, amen.