Remain In MeSample

 Fruits of the Spirit

In John 15:5 Jesus tells us that if we abide in him we will produce much fruit. What does this mean? What is fruit? I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “the fruits of your labor.” Fruit in this context, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is “the effect or consequence of an action or operation.” In the Bible, God talks about trees producing good or bad fruit. Fruits are the result of the work you put in or the decisions you've made. For example, if you choose to eat donuts every day, the result or fruit of that action will most likely be weight gain.  However, if you choose to replace donuts with egg white omelets you will produce the fruit of health. 

The Bible tells us in Galatians that there are also fruits of the Holy Spirit, the evidence of God working in our own lives. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. These attributes are supernatural. Our human nature doesn’t naturally possess these qualities. As we follow Jesus, they’ll begin to show up in our lives. For instance, we’ll start loving people more, have greater patience with people, and show kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control in every area. When we mature in these areas, that’s a good indicator that we’re growing in our faith. This can also serve as a warning when we are lacking in any of these attributes, reminding us to repent and return to Jesus. We need his help to produce the fruits of His Spirit in our lives.

Jesus says that His disciples will be known by their fruit. Do people know you’re a disciple of Jesus by your fruit?