May 8
The Fruit
of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23
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.
Daily Steps
When the new believer commits to walk by the Spirit (Day 127), the guaranteed outcome is a change in character. This verse provides the beautiful list of virtues that define a peaceful, Spirit-led mindset: the fruit of the Spirit.
The peace in this truth is found in the nature of spiritual maturity:
Peace is a Fruit, Not a Labor: Peace is listed directly as one of the nine virtues. You do not achieve peace through human effort or anxiety; it is the natural, organic fruit grown by the Holy Spirit when you submit to Him. Peace is a guaranteed byproduct of a Spirit-led mindset.
A Consistent Harvest: The fruit is a cluster of interconnected qualities—love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), etc. These virtues are not mutually exclusive; they grow together. The presence of peace is always supported by the presence of love and joy.
Freedom from Condemnation: "Against such things there is no law." A mind focused on producing this fruit is free from the condemnation that often steals peace. The purpose of the Spirit is to make you perfectly acceptable to God.
Your daily peace is secured by the Holy Spirit’s work in you. Instead of striving to feel peaceful, focus on submitting to the Spirit's guidance, and He will naturally cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your heart.
Reflective Question
Which of the nine fruit of the Spirit do you most lack today (e.g., self-control, patience, peace)? How can you specifically ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate that one quality in you, trusting that the peace will grow as a result?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the Holy Spirit. I confess that I often try to produce spiritual qualities through my own effort. I pray today for the discipline to simply walk by the Spirit. Cultivate in me the fruit of the Spirit, especially peace. May the natural overflow of Your Spirit's work secure my mindset and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
