Devotional

When we think about the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—we sometimes approach it like a buffet, picking and choosing what appeals to us. "I'll take some joy and peace, but I'll pass on patience and self-control." But that's not how spiritual fruit works. These qualities aren't separate fruits; they're different aspects of the same fruit. They all come from the same source—Jesus Christ—and they all grow together. This explains why we can't truly have joy without love, or peace without self-control. They're interconnected because they all flow from our connection to Jesus. When His life flows through us, all these qualities begin to manifest, not because we're working on them individually, but because we're connected to the One who embodies them all. The presence of these qualities in our lives isn't about our performance; it's about our connection. As we abide in Christ, His character naturally begins to show through us.

Bible Verse

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." - John 15:7-8

 

Reflection Question

Which aspects of the fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to manifest, and how might deepening your connection with Jesus help develop those qualities?

 

Quote "The fruit looks like love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. You can't have one of those without having all of them."

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for producing Your fruit in my life as I abide in You. Forgive me for trying to pick and choose which aspects of Your character I want to display. Help me to stay so connected to You that all the qualities of Your Spirit become increasingly evident in my life. Amen.