Gratitude for The Fruit of the Spirit
Have you ever heard the popular expression, “patience is a virtue?” Most dictionaries define virtue as a commendable quality or trait. The Bible uses words such as long-suffering or forbearance to articulate this term. Paul also speaks about eight additional virtues: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Collectively, these characteristics are referred to as the fruit of the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is a symbolic “measuring tool” like a barometer used to help us gauge our Christian conduct. Ideally, it is what should be evident in and reflected by those who walk with Jesus in the Holy Spirit. It is an outward indication of the believer’s faith and willingness to live according to Godly principles. Simply stated, we are known by the fruit we bear.
Not only for ourselves, but we are encouraged to express these traits in the presence of others. We are called to be salt to a tasteless society and light to a dark world. You are called to “SHOW YOUR FRUIT!”
Consider this: natural fruit tends to be sweet and nutritious for our physical bodies. In a comparable manner, spiritual fruit makes us look sweet and provides lots of nutrients for our spirit – a “win-win” situation!
Like the salvation we receive by God’s grace; the fruit of the Spirit is a divine gift bestowed upon us as we follow His divine purpose for our lives. Afterall, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV).
It’s like a souvenir we wear as a reminder of our Holy connection to our Savior. Can we all agree that gratitude is warranted for this priceless gift?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5: 22-23, NIV).