THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

The use of the imagery of fruit implies many things. First of all, it means life. Growth is almost synonymous with life. This means that every believer will display the fruit of the Spirit in some measure. Each, however, should long to produce a full harvest for the heart of God.

Fruit also conveys the thought of time. Every gardener, as well as farmer, knows that it takes time for the seed which has been dropped into the ground to develop into the fruit which is useable and desired. The first signs of fruit, the bud on the vine, the blossom as it begins to emerge, may give him pleasure, but it does not satisfy. Only the full ripe fruit will satisfy. In like manner, God is pleased at every sign of fruit developing, but He will not be satisfied until the fullness of that fruit is seen in the believer’s life.

Fruit reminds us that there is a need for cultivation and nourishment. The warmth of the sun, the moisture from the rain, and the nourishment of the soil all combine to provide the needed elements which promote fruitfulness.

The believer needs the warmth of spiritual sunshine which is fellowship with God. That private time, when mixed with the moisture and freshness which comes from the Spirit of God’s presence, cultivates growth. The word of God provides the needed food which, when assimilated and incorporated into the life, leads to fruitfulness.

The development of fruit is not as much of a mystery as it may seem at first to new believers. It is a matter of enjoying the company of your Father, feeding daily upon the word of God, and seeking, in dependence upon the Spirit of God, to develop likeness to Christ. As His word abides within you, as you feed upon the written word, you will become more and more like the Son in all His beauty.

While the ultimate of that likeness awaits a coming day, would it not be worthwhile to strive here on earth to be so like Him that the transformation will be less radical in that future day in His presence? May this be our exercise today and in the coming days!