Got Fruit?
Good Morning Girls! When I was new in the Lord, I would hear people make comments like "judge by the fruit", or "bears good fruit". I didn't fully understand what they were talking about. Over the years, I've read the verses, and heard more in depth teachings to understand more what these phrases mean. However, I have often wondered deep down if I truly got it. Last summer, I bought a framed picture that had Galatians 5:22-23 on it. I hung it in my bedroom. I love the verse, and meditated on it all summer. Well, at least I thought I did. I didn't really dig into it like my heart was pulling me to. I simply committed it to memory and when I found myself acting or feeling contrary to the verse, I would recite it. Well, I believe the grace for that pathetic "in depth" study and meditation is gone. I am finally going to study the verse the way I feel the Lord has been tugging at me to for a year now. (yeah, yeah, I'll go back and read my own blog about obedience). Now, I have decided to take you all along for the ride on this. Over the next few weeks, we are going to spend a few days on each of the "fruits of the Spirit" that is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. My desired outcome in this is the full understanding of what it means to have these character traits fully operating in my life. Before I could begin, I had to make sure I understood what the word "fruit" meant in this verse. The Bible has a few different meanings for the word fruit. It refers to children, harvests, soul-winning, and even breasts as fruit. After studying these different "fruit" references, I found this description of fruit on www.biblegateway.com: "The fruit of the Spirit are those gracious dispositions and habits which the Spirit produces in those in whom He dwells and works". In other words they are our character traits, our everyday behavior and demeanor. Exhibiting these traits on a daily basis reflects the fact that the Spirit is living and operating within you. Well, I want that!!! I want people to look at me and say "Hey, it is clear that she is a woman of God". Or maybe they can't identify what's different about me, they just notice there is "something different", and they want it! Sound good to you?
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Love -
Jen
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Love -
Jen
I marvel at how incredible God is - I didn't get to read this until today - but this morning! I was reading something from Kenneth Hagin about the 9 fruits of the Spirit and the 9 gifts (counselor, helper, intercessor, advocate, strengthener, standby, revealer of truth, comforter & guide) of the Spirit! The one thing he shared I had never thought about was that the fruit is a result of the Holy Spirits indwelling and the gifts are a result of the Holy Spirits infilling! I am always amazed how the Lord keeps talking to His children and so many times He confirms to us we are REALLY hearing His heart - by having someone else share what they've been hearing too! love YOU! Terry
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