The Believer’s Fruit

Genuine believers produce fruit in their lives. They give evidence of their new life in Christ and reflect the glory of God their Father. Included is the fruit of the Spirit which primarily consists of social virtues. All kinds of sin erupt when human beings interact with each other—enmity, jealousy, rivalry, strife, lust, and fits of anger. But Christians who live by the Spirit reflect God’s glory, reflect the very nature of God by being loving, patient, kind, and good.

Unbelievers, who retain remnants of the image of God, can also show kindness and patience, can also exercise control over their anger. And we will never exhibit these virtues perfectly. But when we as Christians learn to walk by the Spirit, we increasingly display these social graces. They are the fruit of the Spirit indwelling believers.

The fruit of the Spirit cannot be generated for God’s glory by human effort. Nevertheless, Christians have the responsibility of cultivating these virtues. In order to produce fruit, believers must “live in accordance with the Spirit;” they must “have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5); they must “by the Spirit . . . put to death the misdeeds of the body” (Romans 8:13); they must “live by the Spirit” and “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).

Jesus said, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4). To bear fruit the believer bears the responsibility of abiding/remaining in the vine. The power and ability to bear fruit come from the Spirit alone, but Christians have the responsibility of cooperating with the Spirit.

Reflection

Are there relationships in your life that are characterized by jealousy, strife, anger, etc.? Thank God that his Spirit dwells in you and ask him to show you how you can better abide in him. Is there one step you can take today to “set your mind on what the Spirit desires” in your troubling relationships?