Week 34 Devotion – “Bearing Fruit: You Reap What You Sow”
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23
Fruit is a symbol of maturation in farming and agriculture, and it is evidence of our growth as
believers. Bearing fruit is a likelihood always based on the seeds that were planted. Based
on the consistency of our labour, we expect that fruit to represent specific products and
outcomes.
Jesus admonishes His disciples to bear fruit repeatedly (Matthew 3:8, John 15:16). In
Galatians 5:22, we receive an understanding of how that fruit of the Spirit is qualified. These
specific characteristics together comprise one fruit derived from the Spirit of God dwelling in
us. As believers furthering the kingdom, we must exhibit this fruit as we work.
Bearing fruit indicates that we are more than just talk. It’s one thing to profess Jesus as your
Lord and personal Saviour, it is quite another thing to have your life actually reflect His
Lordship. When Jesus is the Lord of your life, He transforms your character from the inside
out. This new character will demonstrate a love for the things of God and prioritize
demonstrating who He is in every situation.
Contrary to the order of nature, bearing this fruit is not contingent on seasons. Nor is there
an off-season where the fruit cannot develop.The fruit that we bear is supposed to be fruit
that lasts. This fruit then, should withstand extreme conditions, climates, and environments.
This fruit is distinctly identifiable in that once produced, it does not die.
At this juncture in the year, we should strive for consistency in the person that we are – a true
reflection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was consistently loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind,
faithful, gentle, and He never lacked self-control. Jesus did not let situations dictate His
character. Rather, by His character, He dictated situations. Our fruit is part of our appeal to
others. Without it, we have no evidence of a changed life.
Reflection
The fruit of the Spirit is a single entity with 9 constituents. Have you cultivated all 9?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for enabling me to bear fruit for Your glory. I rely on the Holy Spirit to
make this fruit evident in my life as I submit to Your leading daily. Thank You for grace. In
Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Deborah Nimoh
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