EphesiansShembull

If you have ever gone to church, you most likely have heard a lot about the fruit of the Spirit. These characteristics represent Christ’s presence in our lives and how a deep relationship with Him leads to a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). But on the contrary, what things lead to a fruitless life? The things that separate us from unity with Jesus?

Right before Ephesians 11-16, we see Paul refer to the fruits of the Spirit and urges us to find out what pleases the Lord. In the five verses we read today, Paul warns and tells us about the “fruitless deeds of darkness.” Encouraging us to expose them rather than partake in them. He tells us, “It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.” When I read this, I can’t help but think of the times that I may not be blatantly sinning but am freely speaking about someone else's sin with close friends or my spouse. The casual gossip that we often mask as “concern.” And while we may not immediately think these conversations and discourse are harmful to us, Paul states that even speaking about such evil acts is like pollution and poison to the hearts of those who hear and partake. What we often label as a convenient concern actually ends up being our own actions of fruitless deeds. When we do this, we miss the opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in Christ by not confronting them and bringing them into the light. So today, let's invite God to be at the center of our words, actions, and decisions so that we too can walk in wisdom, righteousness, and truth.

Prayer Points:

• Take time today to invite God to search us, know us, and test our anxious thoughts. To reveal the areas in our lives that may be fruitless rather than fruitful.
• Ask God to fill you with wisdom to walk in discernment each day. Pray that your words, actions, and decisions will reflect Him.
• Pray that God will reveal anything in your life that may be in the dark.