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Fruit of the Holy Spirit
By Keith A. Paul
By Keith A. Paul
The Holy Spirit is working in your life and often the first evidence of that work begins with an awareness of your lack of His qualities and characteristics in your life. There may be evidence of irresponsible behavior, pride, expression of enmity and lack of love in your life. In fact as you read what God describes as the works of the old nature in Galatians 5: 19, 20 you may see many of these sinful traits in your life. This article will help you to move into the fullness that God intended for you as He transforms your life.
As a Believer in Christ you are eligible for the fruit of the Holy Spirit. These are from Him and not from your own self efforts. He is the source and you participate as you surrender to these fruits each day. Choose to allow Him to manifest these qualities in and through you.
In some religious circles, holiness is defined as what you don't do and generally focuses on 'Do Not Touch, Do Not Handle, Do Not Taste.' Whereas genuine God given holiness moves a person into transformation and the demonstration of His character. Galatians chapter five defines the sinful works of the sinful nature and the traits of the Spirit. Living your life by demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit is in fact what holiness really means by God's definition.
Scriptures to read:
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
Walk in all that God has provided for you.
The fruit of the Spirit is the embodiment of the nature of Jesus. Scripture makes it clear that total surrender to Christ and His Word opens the way to the life of fruitfulness and productivity. You will have to actively participate with the Holy Spirit by rejecting the old sinful patterns of behavior and then allowing His traits to surface within you.
It is important to understand the Holy Spirit produces the fruit or qualities of His Presence. We yield our selves to His influence and the manifestation of His characteristics. Ask Him for these fruits. Read His word often so your mind is renewed. Follow the role model that Jesus became for us. In other words, do what Jesus would do in each situation and speak what He would say. The Holy Spirit will help you to see how each of His fruits will be demonstrated in life's circumstances and relationships.
As you pray and read His Word, specifically ask the Holy Spirit to demonstrate His characteristics in and through your life. Make a commitment to Him and surrender to Him each day. You are on the way to spiritual maturity when you walk in the Spirit in this way.
Additional Reading:
Psalm 1, John 15, Psalm 92: 13, 14 and James 1:21-25 are all recommended passages to read.
John 12:24 - Death to self (your old sinful nature) insures the Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 6:7,8 - We reap in the same realm as we sow.
Ephesians 5:9 - Fruit is a product of God's Light and Truth.
As a Believer in Christ you are eligible for the fruit of the Holy Spirit. These are from Him and not from your own self efforts. He is the source and you participate as you surrender to these fruits each day. Choose to allow Him to manifest these qualities in and through you.
In some religious circles, holiness is defined as what you don't do and generally focuses on 'Do Not Touch, Do Not Handle, Do Not Taste.' Whereas genuine God given holiness moves a person into transformation and the demonstration of His character. Galatians chapter five defines the sinful works of the sinful nature and the traits of the Spirit. Living your life by demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit is in fact what holiness really means by God's definition.
Scriptures to read:
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
Walk in all that God has provided for you.
The fruit of the Spirit is the embodiment of the nature of Jesus. Scripture makes it clear that total surrender to Christ and His Word opens the way to the life of fruitfulness and productivity. You will have to actively participate with the Holy Spirit by rejecting the old sinful patterns of behavior and then allowing His traits to surface within you.
It is important to understand the Holy Spirit produces the fruit or qualities of His Presence. We yield our selves to His influence and the manifestation of His characteristics. Ask Him for these fruits. Read His word often so your mind is renewed. Follow the role model that Jesus became for us. In other words, do what Jesus would do in each situation and speak what He would say. The Holy Spirit will help you to see how each of His fruits will be demonstrated in life's circumstances and relationships.
As you pray and read His Word, specifically ask the Holy Spirit to demonstrate His characteristics in and through your life. Make a commitment to Him and surrender to Him each day. You are on the way to spiritual maturity when you walk in the Spirit in this way.
Additional Reading:
Psalm 1, John 15, Psalm 92: 13, 14 and James 1:21-25 are all recommended passages to read.
John 12:24 - Death to self (your old sinful nature) insures the Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 6:7,8 - We reap in the same realm as we sow.
Ephesians 5:9 - Fruit is a product of God's Light and Truth.
