"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Love. It starts with love! For God so loved the world, He created the world and all that is in it. However, the first couple to live in paradise chose to go their own way and sin. That sin set everything else in motion. Love in the most sacrificial way possible, came to earth as an infant. Jesus lived a sinless life, was falsely accused, beaten, ridiculed and then crucified. Love/Jesus, conquered sin and death by defeating the grave so that those who believe in Jesus will never spiritually die.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

Because I love and follow Jesus, love should be evident in my life. Not the clock and calendar pattern of church on Sundays and holidays, but a 24/7 faith revealing love at my core. I did not say always revealing love perfectly. The kind of love that shows up even when, especially when, “I’m not feeling it”.

Joy. "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:9-11

I love this. Jesus would not command anything beyond what He will work in and through us. If the command is to love, I will be empowered to love. My choice. My willingness to work with the Holy Spirit makes it doable. On my own? Impossible. Right on the heels of love, is the full joy that can come only from Jesus. I am only beginning to understand Jesus joy at both a heart and head level. I’m doubtful I can get it any other way! The world offers an endless menu of fleeting pleasures marketed as joy producing. Temporal and often carrying a hefty price tag. The price may be literal dollars and cents. The price may show up in relational or physical consequences. There is always a price.

Fruit. An important nutrient for our physical health and spiritual fruit is a harvest that glorifies God and nourishes others. The love and joy that is evident in me is what should be revealing Jesus to others. We are His representatives, his ambassadors. We are Jesus with skin on. I have not always been a great rep. I have been angry, quick to react rather than respond and let’s say my speech has not always turned away wrath! I have and continue to learn and grow and look more like Jesus than I did last year or the year before that.

Fruit trees require planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing and harvesting. Spiritual fruit requires much of the same care. Where are you planted? Do you have eternal soil and seed being nurtured and cared for? Is the soil healthy or is it depleted? Are weeds choking out the fruit or have you tended the orchard?

These are important things I will be asking myself and I am hoping you will do the same. Please consider leaving a comment below.