THE GOSPEL THAT BRINGS FRUIT
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!
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
How can you tell if someone truly has been transformed by the Gospel? Talk is, as they say, cheap. Someone can claim to have a relationship with Jesus with their words, but their actions will show you whether they’ve truly passed from death to life. That’s not to say they will be perfect and never struggle with temptation. But it does mean their choices and actions will, on the whole, show that they’re surrendered to the will of God.
Jesus Himself told us to judge a tree by its fruit (see Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:43-45). Our thoughts, words, and, ultimately, our actions demonstrate where our loyalty lies. If it’s to ourselves and the ways of the world, then there will be clear signs that are in direct conflict with the fruit outlined above (see Galatians 5:19-21). When our loyalty is to Christ, His Spirit will produce His fruit within us. Not just one or two of the nine that Paul mentioned. All of them together are the fruit (singular) of the Spirit.
The fiery preacher Charles Spurgeon once said the following: It is of no use for any of you to try to be soul winners if you are not bearing fruit in your own lives. How can you serve the Lord with your lips if you do not serve him with your lives?
Stated differently, how can we share the Good News of the Gospel in good faith if our lives haven’t been transformed by it?
APPLICATION: Ask God to continue to grow His fruit within you. Write out the fruit of the Spirit in a journal or on your phone. Then, research some verses that speak to love, joy, peace, etc., with each one. Reflect on these verses as He leads you.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want my life to be fruitful for you. Transform me by the renewing of my mind and allow my life to stand as a testimony to your love and power. Sanctify me by Your Word, and make me more like Your Son, in whose name I pray, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?