Is Your Life Fruitful?

Is your life fruitful? What type of fruit are you bearing?

Often as Christians we strive to produce fruit that can be seen on the outside (new converts, missionary work, community service, etc.). Be warned that when you are so programmed by the world to perform you go by sight to determine success. However, when you are one in the Spirit, you go more so by the unseen—the things men cannot produce or take credit for. It appears so much attention is given to the outer to the neglect of the inner. Now don’t misunderstand me, both are vitally important, but not one to the exclusion of the other.

Our world today has provided a hothouse environment for spiritual fruit to grow and thrive. We have seen all types of stormy events that have disrupted many lives, not to mention our own. Yet not all storms come to disrupt our lives, but to clear a path. A path whereby spiritual fruit can be manifested in abundance because there is devastation and neediness all around us. The darker things get, the brighter a Christian can glow displaying the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit.

Production of outward fruit will cease in some way one day. In contrast, the inner fruit is eternal. The word “fruit” is singular in Galatians 5:22-23, indicating that these qualities constitute a unity, all of which should be found in a believer who lives under the control of the Spirit. This “fruit” is simply the life of Christ lived out in a Christian.

What fruit are you bearing in today’s fallen and broken world?

Love

The source of all graces listed below. It is not emotion, but self-sacrificing, unconditional love that expects nothing in return.
(Or Are You: Self-serving)

Joy

It goes beyond happiness. It does not depend on circumstances because it rests in God’s sovereign control of all things.
(Or Are You: Discontent)

Peace

An inner repose and quietness, even in the face of adverse circumstances; it defies human understanding.
(Or Are You: Anxiety-filled)

Patience

The quality of forbearance and long-suffering under provocation. It entertains no thoughts of retaliation even when wrongfully treated. (Or Are You: Explosive)

Kindness

Compassionate benevolence in action. The willingness to go out of my way for others and to be inconvenienced.
(Or Are You: Discriminatory)

Goodness

The courage and integrity to do the right thing even though it may be hard.
(Or Are You: Deceitful)

Faithfulness

The quality which renders a person trustworthy or reliable.
(Or Are You: Unreliable)

Gentleness

A submissive attitude towards God and a mild disposition when interacting with others.
(Or Are You: Condescending)

Self-Control

Yielding self to the Spirit that He may destroy the fleshly impulses as those described in vs. 19-21 of the same chapter.
(Or Are You: Undisciplined)

What do you think would happen in our world if Christians would display these virtues in their character, conduct, and conversation? Do you think it would make a difference? God does not lie, and His Spirit surely abides in each Christian. Then what’s the problem?