The Bible tells us how to know if you are walking and being led by the Spirit. It also tells us in Galatians what is not of the Spirit is flesh and gives us the fruit (actions and attitudes) of flesh. Verse 16 says, “I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5: 19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20) idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21) envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
So, then what is the fruit of walking in the Spirit? And why are there nine fruit of the Spirit? Should it have said fruits? I think sometimes we think of them separately but, they are one. When we walk in the Spirit, we produce fruit. Jesus said, ‘you will know them by their fruit.’ He was referring to false prophets/ teachers. My mom use, to tell us, ‘Actions speak louder than words.’ Which is a common statement, but it is true. We can tell by someone’s actions, tones, and facial expressions what they really mean. Anyone can say anything, but the proof is in the action.
I sensed in the spirit it is time to write about the nine fruit of the Spirit. The scripture I am referring to is in Galatians 5:22-23 NKJ “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” When you walk and live in the Spirit this is what you will produce, or I should say what will come forth from you.
Since Love is first on the list we will start with love.
What is love? ‘God is love.’ Since love is an aspect of the Spirit and appointed as fruit what does it look like in action? When a tree has fruit we are able to see, smell and taste it and we know by that it is an apple, orange, pear or lemon tree for example, therefore fruit is seen and known by distinctive traits. It is the same with love. Love is not just a word used to describe a feeling. Love is a commitment to someone or something. Love is seen in action
The Bible says in John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” The Father sent the Son to die for our sins so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life with Him.
I Corinthians 13 describes love. Verse 4 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5) does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7) bears all things, believes all things, hope all things, endures all things, 8) love never fails…”
Love to me means one lays down its life, it sees the good in others, it is gentle and kind, it long endures, love makes and upholds boundaries, it serves others. Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Most of us would not harm ourselves therefor love does no harm to another. I know that love is essential to our way of life.
As a believer in Christ, it is most important to allow God to change in us what needs changing. Such as actions and attitudes that do not line up with His character. First ask the Holy Spirt to search your heart and show you if there is anything in the way of love. God will show us when we humble ourselves, pray and ask so that we can confess it, repent and turn from it. God cares for and about you.
What do you base your Love on?
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I needed this! Thank you
Thank you for leaving a comment, Jennifer