One of the most exciting realities of the Christian life is that when we enter into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins a divine work to produce Christ’s character within us.

In doing so, our whole outlook on life changes. His thoughts become our thoughts. His actions become our actions. His purposes become our own.

We become more Christ-like.

No longer living by the old sinful nature, we now live by the Spirit, and in doing so, we bear fruit.

Fruit is mentioned many times in the Bible, both literally and figuratively. The concept of bearing fruit is used often.

Fruit, as the result of work or activity, can be either good or bad. And just as with literal fruit, no fruit grows until seeds are planted.

Likewise for us: the fruit evidenced in our lives grows from what we allow to take root in our hearts.

Galatians 5:16-25 contrasts the fruit of our old sinful nature with the fruit of the Spirit—our new nature in Christ—and what it looks like to be directed by or live by each. The section concludes: 

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Interestingly, the Greek word for “fruit” (karpós) is in the singular, indicating there is one fruit with nine attributes, or characteristics.

Like a bowl filled with various kinds of fruit—strawberries, apples, pears, grapes, etc.—yet together referred to as a single bowl of fruit.

By definition, karpós[1], used figuratively, results from the joining of two life-streams—the Lord living His life through ours—to yield what is eternal. In this usage, it implies that everything is done in true partnership with Christ.

What an awesome reality!

As we learn to partner with Christ and live in His presence, the Spirit helps us practice the same love Jesus had when He laid down His life for us.

The joy Jesus experienced begins to fill our hearts.

The same peace that guarded Jesus’ heart, even as He endured the cross, protects ours.

The kind of patience Jesus showed to Peter works in us.

The kindness Jesus showed to the woman taken in adultery starts to soften our hearts toward others.

The Father’s goodness that Jesus showed others, the Spirit now works in us.

The same faithfulness that caused Jesus to always seek and obey the Father is built into our hearts.

The gentleness Jesus showed to children wells up within us.

The self-control Jesus exhibited by always doing the Father’s will, the Spirit now grows in us, so we may resist temptation and do what is right.

Like fruit ripening on the vine, all fruit of the Spirit is grown as we cultivate a close love relationship with the Master.

Throughout our lives, we grow in displaying Christ to the world around us through the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control God develops in us.

The Holy Spirit guides this process—growing this wonderful spiritual fruit in us—transforming us toward full maturation in Christ.

[1] See Strong’s 2590

Part 2 will explore more on how to grow spiritual fruit in our lives and its purpose.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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