Financial Fruit of the Spiritنموونە

Financial Fruitfulness

A mentor of mine said that the quality of a Christian’s life is not his education, gifting or talents; not even his Bible knowledge. It is the quality of the fruit of his life.

Jesus talked about a good tree bringing good fruit and a bad tree bringing bad fruit.

“You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:16,17)

A fruit generally consists of three parts. The stem, the seeds and the fruit flesh.

The life from the tree flows through the stem, reproducing what is in the tree. So, if we are attached to the tree of life, which is Jesus Himself, we bring forth fruit which corresponds to His life. The fleshy part of the fruit is good to eat, and sustains life, giving necessary nutrients to others. Then the fruit develops seeds which can be sown again to multiply the life of the tree.

The apostle Paul described nine characteristics of spiritual life, also known as spiritual fruit, and this applies directly to my money management.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)

• Love means to use money to build up meaningful relationships. Joy is thanking God that He knows what I need and will provide all I need.
• Peace is learning to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself in.
• Patience means to think twice before buying something and saving slowly to build up assets.
• Kindness is helping the poor and being excellent in good deeds.
• Goodness is being morally upright and honest in all my financial dealings.
• Faithfulness is learning to use money in a way that honors God and His purposes for my finances.
• Gentleness is humility and meekness that isn't boastful or proud.
• Self-control is being disciplined in spending, saving and giving.

Read on to consider each of these nine characteristics of financial fruitfulness!