Galatians 5:16-25-Overflowing Fruit . . .
During the spring and summer, I often admire the fruit growing in my neighbor's yard. Their cultivated climb a shared fence to produce large bunches of grapes. Branches dotted with purple plums and plump oranges dangle just within our reach.
Although we don't till the soil, plant the seeds, or water and weed the garden, the couple next door shares their bounty with us. The take responsibility for nurturing their crops and allow us to delight in a portion of their harvest.
The produce from the trees and vines on the other side of our fence reminds me of another harvest that benefits us and the people God places in our life. That harvest is the fruit of the Spirit.Christ followers are commissioned to claim the benefits of living by the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-21). As God's seeds of truth flourish in our hearts, the Spirit produces an increase in our ability to express love, joy peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithful, gentleness, and self-control.
Once we surrender our lives to Jesus, we no longer have to be controlled by our self-centered inclinations. Over time, the Holy Spirit can change our thinking, our attitudes, and our actions. As we grow and mature in Christ, we can have the added joy of loving our neighbors by sharing the benefits of His generous harvest. The fruit of the Spirit changes us so we can impact the lives of those around us.
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