Galatians 5:22–24 AMP
«[22] But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.»
https://bible.com/bible/1588/gal.5.22-24.AMP
The science behind fruit is something many of us are familiar with. Simply put, we know that a seed must first die before it can reproduce. However, I want us to look beyond the seed and consider everything that happens during the growth process before the fruit 🍓🍑 is finally seen.
As plants grow, weeds often grow alongside them. Sometimes they resemble the actual plant so closely that it can be difficult to tell the difference. Thankfully, with tools like Google Lens, you can take a picture and quickly identify whether a plant is genuine or simply a weed. Beyond that, plants also face attacks from bugs. Some insects help with pollination, while others are highly destructive.
The point is this: for there to be a productive harvest, weeds, pests, and every other distraction must be properly managed. Otherwise, the labour of the planter, farmer, or horticulturist may be in vain. In some cases, it is not even insects that threaten the plant. Animals such as cats, birds, or dogs can also destroy its growth. Then there are the changing seasons. Some seasons favour growth, while others require patience before fruit can appear.
Certain fruits can only be harvested at a particular time because they were planted months—or even a year—beforehand. Soil quality, weather conditions, and temperature all influence the eventual harvest.
Now let us relate this to the fruit of the Spirit.
Many believers assume that developing the fruit of the Spirit happens easily. However, we are all growing in different seasons, planted in different soils, and facing different weeds, pests, and challenges. You may have received the seed of joy, peace, or patience, yet you may need to be transplanted or grafted into healthier soil because where you are planted has become so infested that growth has become difficult.
This is often why some people have been believers for decades, yet Christ is still not evident in their lives.
If we are to truly live according to the fruit of the Spirit, we must align ourselves with God's seasons. The best way to do this is by yielding to the One who controls times and seasons.
Daniel 2:21 AMP
«[21] "It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and greater knowledge to those who have understanding."»
https://bible.com/bible/1588/dan.2.21.AMP
God is the One who changes times and seasons. A plant cannot tell the farmer where it should be planted or when it should be transplanted. The farmer knows the right soil, the right timing, and whether grafting is necessary.
Likewise, a tree may grow tall and appear healthy, yet bear no fruit.
Mark 11:13–14, 20 AMP
«[13] Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if He would find anything on it. But He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. [14] He said to it, "No one will ever eat fruit from you again!" And His disciples were listening.
[20] In the morning, as they were passing by, the disciples saw that the fig tree had withered away from the roots up.»
https://bible.com/bible/1588/mrk.11.13-20.AMP
The fig tree withered because the One who controls times and seasons declared it so.
The fruit of the Spirit does not grow because of our denomination. It grows because of the indwelling Spirit of Christ. There is no way to produce the fruit of the Spirit if the Planter of your life is not Jesus Christ. We must align with His will if His fruit is to grow within us.
He commands the seasons.
He prepares the soil.
He removes the pests.
He protects us from every destructive influence.
For patience to grow, He may allow seasons that teach you to wait on Him alone.
For peace to grow, He may allow you to walk through storms so that you discover that He is truly Shalom, the Prince of Peace.
For kindness to flourish, He may begin changing how you see yourself and others, removing pride and self-centredness even when it seems humanly impossible.
For faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to mature, Christ Himself must be formed within you.
Yet there are always distractions—the weeds, the pests, the intruders, and the unexpected seasons. When we focus more on these than on Christ, spiritual growth becomes stunted, and maturity is delayed.
Christ will not compete with pride or ego. He will not dwell where self has become an idol. He is not asking us to invite others to "get ready with me" when His desire is that we first become ready with Him.
Because...
Acts 17:28 AMP
«[28] "For in Him we live and move and exist [that is, in Him we actually have our being]..."»
https://bible.com/bible/1588/act.17.28.AMP
He is not interested in making you trend. He desires that the fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in your life.
You cannot pursue the spotlight when the Light Himself is saying, "Let Me shine through you."
No ring light can compare to the Light of Christ.
No amount of noise or applause should be louder than the voice of God speaking within your spirit.
1 John 4:4 AMP
«[4] Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and belong to Him... because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.»
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1jn.4.4.AMP
For the fruit of the Spirit to grow, we must return to Him as little children. He must become greater in us than the influences of this world.
Are you willing to allow the fruit of the Spirit to grow in your life?
Once again, your denomination is not what determines your spiritual fruitfulness. Your alignment with the Spirit of God is.
Jesus Christ in you is what produces the fruit.
We may all hear the same Word at the same time, but the seasons required for that Word to produce fruit will differ from person to person. Therefore, never compare your spiritual maturity with someone else's.
At the same time, do not become complacent.
Why celebrate decades of salvation when your life does not yet reflect Christ?
Why allow anger, jealousy, bitterness, greed, gossip, immorality, gluttony, or evil associations to take root?
You may stand behind a pulpit and still be far from displaying the fruit of the Spirit.
Again, come to Him as a little child.
1 Peter 2:2 AMP
«[2] Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.»
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1pe.2.2.AMP
You cannot align with Him if you stop approaching Him as His child. The fruit of the Spirit cannot grow in someone who believes they already know everything and no longer needs time in the Word or with the Word—Jesus Christ.
Titles will never produce maturity. Recognition from people cannot replace intimacy with God.
He knew you before the title, and He will know you when the title no longer matters.
He understands your struggles with the flesh.
He knows the seasons.
He knows the weeds.
He knows the battles.
Because He is God.
If you allow Him to mature you in Christ, He will carry you through every season.
When life's storms make you bow, He will be your peace.
When the thorns of life pierce your heart, He will fill you with unspeakable joy.
When you feel continually tested, He will strengthen you with patience and gentleness.
When you feel unappreciated despite all you give, He will overwhelm you with His kindness.
So, are you willing to grow?
Are you willing to let Him take His rightful place?
Are you willing to surrender completely?
Let Jesus be the Planter.
Allow Him to graft you.
Allow Him to water you with the living water that never runs dry.
Allow Him to supply every nutrient your spirit needs to mature in the fruit of the Spirit.
Years in church and a lifetime of pursuing miracles alone will never produce true maturity. You must hunger and thirst for Him.
Psalm 42:1 AMP
«[1] As the deer pants longingly for the water brooks, so my soul pants longingly for You, O God.»
https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.42.1.AMP
Jesus Christ is the Living Water—the One who satisfies every thirst.
Speak to Him.
He knows exactly where you are.
He knows exactly where He is taking you.
He is not blind.
He is not deaf.
His hand is not too short to save.
He is God.
So let the fruit of the Spirit grow in you as you allow Jesus to take His rightful place.
You have tried.
You have struggled.
You have pushed.
You have endured.
Now allow Him.
Yield to Him.
Let Us Pray
Lord Jesus, thank You for this wonderful opportunity to study Your Word.
Thank You for speaking to me today through Your Word.
Lord, I come before You and surrender myself completely. Help me.
Forgive me, Abba Father, for every way I have tried to do life in my own strength or according to my own understanding.
Today I yield my spirit to You. Take over my life.
Lord, I do not want to count years or decades of salvation without growing into the maturity You desire for me.
Rid me of every work of the flesh that still struggles for dominion in my life.
Renew my mind and transform my spirit.
Remove every trace of unforgiveness, bitterness, envy, lack of self-control, gossip, slander, pride, and every attitude that hinders the growth of the fruit of the Spirit.
Create in me a deeper hunger and thirst for You that leads me into a genuine encounter with Your presence.
As I begin this fresh journey of growing in the fruit of the Spirit, never allow me to depart from the path of righteousness.
Carry me through every season until Christ is fully formed in me.
Thank You, Abba Father, because You have heard and answered my prayer.
In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
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