The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 is famous for being the Fruit of the Spirit.

If you take a few moments to consider that, you will quickly realize that the attributes listed there are things that belong in the lives of anybody who is a Christian.

Of course, one should take it in context and therefore should read Galatians through, then begin again a few verses prior to get the sense of why he would write that.

When you do, it quickly becomes apparent that this chapter is an excellent test of where you stand in your Christian life. If you have the listed qualities, you clearly have felt the effects of the Holy Spirit in your life. If not, then you will be demonstrating the things seen in verses 19-21.

So if there is such a clear demarcation of what qualities a Christian needs to possess, does it not behoove us to on a daily basis examine the specific actions we took that day and see whether or not they fall into the category of things approved by a person who demonstrates the Fruit of the Spirit?

Take the time to look at your action. Did it show the Biblical love? I do not mean the modern non-sensical version. True love is not an emotion, it is not something that you can "fall into" or, even worse, "fall out of". Love is something you do and there is a Scriptural definition of it.

Do your actions show the joy that comes from living in Christ, living spiritually with the desires and passions of the flesh? Are you showing the joy of your salvation in the things you say and do?

I could go through the entire list this way, but I think the point is obvious. Study these things, study your actions, and see if your life reflects having the Fruit of the Spirit or whether it reflects the sinful nature listed in the prior verses.

This will be a valuable benchmark in your Christian walk.