Who Gets To Eat The Fruit Of The Spirit?
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul presents to us a list of nine characteristics of the fruit that is produced by the Holy Spirit. Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Who gets to eat the fruit of the Spirit?”
God did not put fruit on trees for decorations like we put ornaments on our Christmas trees. Fruit grows on trees to satisfy hunger. The fruit is there, not for the tree, but for people to eat.
The peach tree in my backyard brings glory to its creator when luscious peaches hang from its branches. It also brings glory to God when it fulfills its purpose of providing its fruit for those who eat it.
In our consumeristic culture we have come to believe that the fruit of the Spirit is for ourselves to enjoy. We see it primarily as something we possess. Something that ornaments our lives. But it is so much more than “How can I have more Fruit of the Spirit in my life?”
God wants to produce fruit in our lives, not just for the sake of bearing fruit, but for others to eat. Jesus told us that the first and greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength but he also told us to love our neighbor as ourselves. We give glory to God when we live for others. We are to bear fruit that will be eaten by others, feeding their hungry hearts.
Do you bring your fruit basket with you when you gather with your brothers and sisters in Christ? When you go to work? When you hang out with friends?
Today, let the Spirit produce his fruit in you and give someone else a piece of fruit?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Grace and Peace,
Terry
Tagged with: Fruit of the Spirit • Holy Spirit
Filed under: Life Habits
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Woo-hoo, Terry! Boy, is this right on. In all the applications, too. Never thought of these before God showed me through you. What a sweet word that I will share with others–especially in my simple church!
Thanks for the affirmation Scott. I would love to hear some stories about how you and your simple church let others eat out of your baskets.
friday i went & had dinner w my buddy shayno. in spite of my issues he really needed 2 unload some stuff so i spent most the evening listening & offering bits of encouragement. i was thinking about our conversation the other day at breakfast & wantd 2 practice this idea.
my realization is that its relatively easy w friends but i wonder how it would play out w someone who wasnt already close 2 me. id like 2 think every case would b like mary (the lady in the walmart parking lot) but something tells me otherwise..
Graceshaker – Glad to hear the report about the visit with your friend. It has been rewarding for me to think about others eating out of our fruit baskets.
About people we don’t know – I have found that most people are hungry for God’s fruit and find it refreshing after eating the fruit of the world. Sometimes they may not “eat” much – or any at all – but we need to have the basket full and ready. What are some of the “otherwise” things you are thinking?