But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, self-control. Against such there is no law.     Galatians 5:22 NKJV

The Bible mentions being fruitful or producing fruit; this particular verse talks about the fruit of the Spirit.

In Genesis 1:28, God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply and to fill the earth. When he adds the word ‘multiply,’ it makes it obvious that he is referring to them populating the earth. He goes on in this verse to tell them to fill the earth.

As Christians, we are expected to produce fruit. This doesn’t mean that we must grow apples and oranges or any other kind of fruit. Our fruit is produced in our attitude and the way we treat others. We are to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in today’s Scripture passage.

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

If we walk in the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will be obvious to others. Paul is talking about walking in the Spirit in Galatians 5:16-26. He begins by saying that if one walks in the Spirit, one will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. He goes on to talk about how the Spirit and the flesh oppose each other.

If we walk in the flesh, it is obvious we are more prone to sinful behavior, which satisfies our lusts. We are more prone to outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, envy, and things of that nature. And the worst of it all is what Paul says in verse 21. He warns that people who walk in the flesh and display these types of behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But we can choose to walk in the Spirit and produce and display the fruit of the Spirit. Paul goes on to explain how we do this in verses 24-26. He says that 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, and envying one another.

Just like a fig tree that produces no figs, a Christian who doesn’t produce and display the fruit of the Spirit is useless. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s true. We are not expected to simply decorate a church pew on Sunday mornings. We are expected to witness to others. Our silent witness is very powerful. What people see in us and how they see us treat others tells those around us more than words can say.

How do we keep producing fruit? Well, we know that no vine cut away from the branch can survive. And they certainly don’t produce fruit once they are cut away. In John 15:6, Jesus described Himself as the branch and us as the vines. He said, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. He goes on to say that if we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we can ask what we desire and it will be done. This means our hearts will want the will of God to be done, and we will align our will with God’s will. In verse 8, Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, so you will be My disciples.”

As Christians, we are expected to produce and display the fruit of the Spirit. If you are having a hard time with this, be sure you are connected to Jesus Christ through prayer and Bible study. Be sure that you are walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh. And be fruitful!

Have a great day!