6. The Fruits of the Spirit

Slide 6 of 6

As Christians, we are called to display the fruits of the Spirit to everyone we meet. Galatians 5:23-24 outlines the gifts for us: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Paul continues, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

Read the newspaper or open your social media feed. The world needs more gentleness and kindness and less pride and envy. Discover ways you can display the fruits of the Spirit today. Is there someone who could use a kind word? Is there someone you find it difficult to get along with whom you can call a truce? Is there someone steeped in anger to which you can display joy and peace, too? When we choose to display these fruits of the Spirit, our character changes as a result. By giving these Christlike qualities to others, we demonstrate who Jesus is in our lives and allow ourselves to bless others. Relationships filled with strife or conflict can feel emotionally draining on us. By working to fix them through Christlike character, we enjoy better relationships and become more like Christ in the process.

It may feel daunting to figure out who we can bless, but God will reveal those people to us. Take some quiet time and journal the names that pop into your head of people who could use more kindness, peace, or gentleness in their lives. Seek to utilize thirty minutes a day displaying these qualities to the people whom God brings to your mind. For some people, it may be difficult to display these qualities. It may be because these people are difficult to love or may be geographically distant from you. Whatever the case, ask God to figure out new ways for you to display the fruits of the Spirit to these people. Ask him to soften their hearts so that when they see you, they see Jesus.

We often think that making a difference in the world is a huge gesture. Yet, we don’t need a lot of money to change the world. We can display the gift of giving to people without it depleting our energy levels. We can give to others each day by utilizing the six things above. When we give without expending too much energy, we can give out of a grateful heart and not feel as though we are in need as a result.