Nourished to Flourish: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Our Lives

Every year our family goes strawberry picking at a local farm. One year our town didn't receive enough rain so the plants didn't do well and the farm owners were almost unable to open for the season. However, our area finally got some good rain, the strawberries were saved, and everyone was able to enjoy the fruits of the farmer's labor as we picked and gobbled up the ripe, juicy fruit. My kids practically eat their weight in strawberries every time we go.

This story reminds me of us. When we remain in Christ, we are fruitful like a tree planted beside streams of water (Psalm 1:3) because HE is our Living Water! (John 4) As we grow, our lives begin to yield fruit, not fruit for the body but fruit for the soul.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us about the Fruit of the Spirit that is within us. "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." If you notice, the Bible does not say "fruits." It says "fruit." Singular. One fruit that has so much depth. You don't have to pick and choose which one you want. Christ gives them all to us who are IN Him!

When we accept this multidimensional gift and fully take Him in, the Fruit of the Spirit begins to pour out of us so that we can help those around us. You exude love, peace, and joy. Patience and kindness become your daily walk; and goodness, gentleness, and self-control preserve you. People want to be around you because, for some reason, they feel comfortable when they are around you. The only way we are able to be fruitful is by being watered daily, allowing God to prune us, and being fed by the Word of God.

What kind of fruit are you producing?

Perspectives into Practice:

I challenge you today to think about the fruit in your life. Are you being fed by the Word of God? Is your spirit being quenched by the Living Water? If not, what can you change in your life to make this happen so your faith can grow? Reach out to someone you trust to help you. Ask your Heavenly Father to be with you and show you what areas in your life need more life. You may not like what you see, but when you start to work in line with the Lord, the reward will be great!