November 11
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
Having defined the Spirit's empowerment (Day 316) for battle against the flesh, this passage presents the positive, visible results of living in the Spirit: the fruit of the Spirit. This list of nine Christ-like qualities is the ultimate evidence of the Holy Spirit's transforming Work (Day 315) in the believer’s life.
The peace in this principle is found in visible transformation:
The Source of Character: These qualities are not the result of human effort or striving; they are the fruit of the Spirit. Just as a good tree naturally produces good fruit (Day 284), the Holy Spirit naturally produces Christ's character within the heart of the believer who walks with Him.
The Ninefold Character: The single fruit is expressed in nine distinct but connected qualities: love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is the practical definition of godly wisdom (Day 291) and righteousness (Day 308). These virtues secure a life of purity (Day 291) and integrity (Day 294).
Freedom from Condemnation: Paul assures us, Against such things there is no law. A life characterized by the Spirit's fruit fulfills the entire moral law of God. The believer can walk in confidence, free from the fear of judgment (Day 313), knowing that they are demonstrating Christ's character.
Your peace is secured by visible transformation. Embrace The Work of the Holy Spirit today by praying for and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Focus on love, joy, and peace, knowing that these are the surest evidence that the divine Advocate (Day 310) is working powerfully in your life.
Reflective Question
Which of the nine fruits of the Spirit are most obviously lacking in your life right now? What is one specific situation today where you can actively yield to the Spirit and ask Him to produce gentleness or self-control instead of your natural reaction?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess my inability to produce true character by myself. I thank You that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I pray for the grace to walk in the Spirit and for the visible evidence of this fruit to grow in my life today. Secure my peace in this visible transformation and the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
