But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-26 NKJV

Yesterday we discussed the works of the flesh being evident (Galatians 5:19-21). When we meet someone and they are lost in sin, it is evident by the way they conduct themselves, especially in the way they talk and how they treat others. It is equally evident when someone is walking in the Spirit. Our scripture passage today calls those of us who live in the Spirit to walk in the Spirit. When we love the Lord with all our heart, and all our soul, and all our mind (Matthew 22:37), it shows. It is evident.

Luke 6:43 tells us that “a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.”  Luke 6:45 tells us, “a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

I can assure you, that your fruit is being inspected whether you are aware of it or not. So, I ask you, do you think your fruit passes inspection? Our former pastor used to tell us that we are not to judge, but we are to inspect the fruit. Do people who know you know that you have love in your heart? Or, do you proudly wear a badge of meanness and hatred? Do people see in you a joy that is not dependent on your circumstances? Do you have that peace that passes all understanding even when there is chaos all around you (Philippians 4:7)?

Are you patient with others? This is something that I have been noticing more and more these days. People have no patience. This leads to arguments in grocery stores, road rage and a host of other problems. Do you have the fruit of patience? Are you kind to others, even when they may not seem to deserve it? Are you good to others, do you put the needs of others above your own needs? Are you faithful to God and to others? Do you faithfully serve even at times when you may not “feel” like it? Are you gentle with others are do you treat others harshly?

Last but not least, how is your self-control? Are you able to not do the things you want to do when you know that they would not be pleasing to God? Do you do what God calls you to do, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone?

The works of the flesh get us into a lot of trouble, but there is no law against being good to others. If we have truly accepted Christ as our Savior, we want to please Him. We have crucified our flesh along with its desires. We have asked God to send His Holy Spirit to fill our hearts so that there is no room for disobedience.

If we love the Lord, we need for it to show in how we act and especially how we treat others. If you are already doing this, remember not to pat yourself too hard on the back, lest you become conceited. We have all been around that new Christian who gets carried away thinking that no one around is a better Christian than they are. Don’t let pride overcome the good changes in your life.

Our scripture passage ends by telling us not to provoke one another. We are told in Proverbs 15:1 that a soft answers turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs anger. Lastly we are told not to envy one another, James 3:16 tells us that where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Now more than ever, we need to be attempting to win souls over to Christ. We can’t do it with rotten fruit. Let others see the fruit of the Spirit in you. Just maybe they will want what you have. The only way we can bring about positive change is to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Re-read our scripture passage today and be sure that your fruit passes inspection.

Have a great weekend!