Developing the Fruit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

As Christians, we are called to mature in our faith.

Some people believe that their ability to do great things or their track record in how many people follow them or even the talent they show from the stage shows the maturity of a Christian. These are all poor ways to measure spiritual development. Maturity does not come as we do more, but rather it comes as we develop in the fruits of the Spirit.

The first aspect that is mentioned of the fruit of the Spirit is love, and it is the foundation upon which all the other aspects grow. The agape, or God type of love, is to love as God loves. Joy, peace, long-suffering gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance all come from someone who has purposely developed their love walk with God and others.

You might think you need more love, but the truth is, you don’t. In fact, you don't need more of any of these parts of the fruit of the Spirit. They are already inside you right now. You don’t need to pray for joy or patience, you already have them. Tap into what God already gave you and purpose to use it.

Your ability to operate in the fruit of the Spirit gives you access to the gifts of the Spirit. The fuller you are of joy, meekness, and faith, the more the gifts of healing and other gifts will manifest as you walk in love.

Just as a tree bears fruit according to whatever its nature is, you and I, as children of God, are called to display the same fruit that He displays.

Practical Application

It's important to surround yourself with people who see the development of the fruit of the Spirit as a primary goal for their lives. If you don’t surround yourself with those pursuing God, you will find yourself half-heartedly serving Him. Get in church, find Christian friends, get involved in serving, and make it a point to encourage others as they are developing the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.

Colossians 3:12; Colossians 3:13

Follow the Spirit, Not Your Flesh

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

You should not allow anger to dictate your choices.

I am alive today because I listened to God on several occasions when the enemy tried to kill me and since I listened to God rather than follow my emotions, I’m still here.

Never make a decision in anger. Don’t marry someone because you are angry with your last relationship. Don’t get a new job simply because you are angry at an old boss. You want to be led by the Holy Spirit, not by your emotions.

Think about the motives that guide your decisions. Are you doing them to please God or to please your flesh? As believers, we are called to cultivate a spirit characterized by patience and obedience.

Even faith-filled, tongue-talking believers can put themselves in the hands of the enemy if they decide to operate based on their flesh rather than listening to and following the pull of the Holy Spirit. One of the most important skills you can develop on this side of eternity is the ability to quickly hear and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. He is always speaking, but we aren’t always listening.

Aligning ourselves with God’s plan is the only way to walk in all the benefits and blessings that God has already planned for you.

So, when your emotions begin to flare up, pause and think for a moment, “Am I allowing my emotions to control me? Or am I walking in the peace of God that brings His benefits and blessings into my life?”

Practical Application

The next time you find yourself on the brink of a decision fueled by anger, take a moment to pause. Instead of reacting impulsively, intentionally step back, and reflect. Ask yourself: “Is this decision aligned with God's will and wisdom?”

Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8

The Danger of Anger

An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. (Proverbs 29:22)

I ended up in the hospital.

You read that correctly. I ended up sitting in a hospital bed with a bad report from the doctors.

Maybe you are thinking “A faith man in the hospital? I thought you believed in healing?!” I do.

However, I ended up there because I allowed anger to fuel me and direct me.

I had a motorcycle, and it began not operating the way it was supposed to. I had purchased a policy with the bike that covered all repairs, or so I thought. When I brought it in for service, the company that I bought the policy from with said they would not honor it. I was not only appalled; but I also became very angry. I didn’t ask the Lord about it; I didn’t talk to Him or listen to the Holy Spirit. I just got mad and drove off.

As soon as I pulled out of the dealership, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Get rid of this bike.” But I had just spent a lot of money on that motorcycle. I said I would obey, but I took my time. About ten days later, I took it on a trip. I drove 250 miles on it and then when I came back home the brakes failed on the bike and I fell hard.

I had never been a patient at a hospital before, but I was that day.

I had never ridden in an ambulance before, but I did that day.

I had broken seven ribs, suffered a 5th degree shoulder separation, and had my ACL and MCL torn apart.

I was operating in anger and refused to listen to the Holy Spirit and the consequences were almost fatal, but for the mercy of God.

Practical Application

Anger is dangerous. When you start to feel the effects of anger rise within you, take a proactive approach and push against it. Pray in the Holy Spirit; breathe and ask God to guide you. Do not allow anger to control your life, your decisions, or your words towards others.

James 3:16; Ephesians 4:26