By Andrew Williams
Opening Prayer
Holy Spirit, we invite you to produce your fruit in our lives, that our character might look more and more like Jesus.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
How do you know if a tree is healthy? You look for its fruit. In the same way, how do you know if you are truly growing in your relationship with God? You look for the Fruit of the Spirit. These nine qualities are the undeniable evidence that the Holy Spirit is alive and at work in you.
Notice the wording: the Holy Spirit “produces” this fruit. We cannot manufacture it on our own. You can’t just try harder to be more patient or force yourself to feel more joy. This fruit is the natural byproduct of a life that is connected to the vine, Jesus (John 15). As we put down our roots in Him—through His Word, prayer, community, and obedience—the Spirit naturally produces these character qualities in us.
This list is not a standard to achieve through willpower; it is a description of what we will become as we surrender to the Spirit’s work. It is a beautiful portrait of the character of Jesus Himself. The journey home is a journey of transformation, where God, by His Spirit, slowly and surely makes our lives more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.
Disciples’ Life Tip: Read through the list of the Fruit of the Spirit. Which one do you desire to see grow more in your life right now? Pray this simple prayer: “Holy Spirit, please cultivate the fruit of [name the fruit] in my heart and actions today.”
Closing Prayer: Father God, thank You that spiritual growth is Your work in us. We yield to You, trusting that You will produce the beautiful fruit of Your Spirit in our lives for Your glory. Amen.
