How to Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit: A Guide to Good Character
What is the Fruit of the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit is the virtue we need to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Life is hard, and we constantly battle with the flesh and the spirit daily. God foresees the struggle we have to deal with in this life and gives us the Holy Spirit as our comforter to help us.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:22-26 that the fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
These attributes are essential when we desire to live a fruitful life. When Paul wrote this letter to the people of Galatia, he wanted them to live by the Spirit instead of the flesh.
How to Grow These Good Characters with Jesus’ Help
We were not born with them, but they will grow in us when we live a life rooted in Christ Jesus.
To cultivate these virtues, we need to read God’s words, pray, and engage in a community of faith to help us develop them.
To have the fruit of the Spirit, we need to stay in a continuing relationship with God.
According to John 15:5 (NIV), Jesus reminds us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear the much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”
In simple terms, we are the branches, and Jesus is the vine. If we stay connected to the vine, we will grow this fruit naturally as the branch. Jesus commanded us to love each other and appointed us to bear more fruits by spreading the gospel.
If we depend on Jesus, we will bear more fruit, but without Him, we won’t be able to accomplish anything. Moreover, we need to abide in Jesus by staying connected to Him and trusting Him to help us during the storm. For all of us who abide in Him, He promises His Father will give us whatever we ask in His name according to His will (John 5:16).
How the Holy Spirit Helps Us Overcome Challenges
When we stay connected to our heavenly Father, we will overcome every obstacle that comes our way.
The Holy Spirit will help us in our daily walk with Jesus. Those characteristics will manifest in our lives as we study the Bible and grow deeper in God.
Also, staying connected to Jesus will help us produce good fruit. This connection will guide us in making the right decision. Remember that Jesus was faithful even on the cross. He died out of love for us. So, let our love for others reflect how Jesus loves us.
A Personal Story: How I Learned About the Fruit of the Spirit
God blessed me with strong-willed children who helped me with this fruit of the Spirit. Even though my youngest is eighteen (18), I still don’t have all the fruit. However, I know that growing the fruit of the Spirit is a lifelong journey, but with the Holy Spirit within me, I will develop these traits and become stronger.
I recalled when my husband and I moved from a large city to a rural area. It wasn’t too exciting for me. Then, a year later, we became pregnant and miscarried. I was so alone. Even though we were attending a church, we kept our lives private.
Two years later, we got pregnant again, and the doctor gave us 70% of carrying this child full term. It was a complicated pregnancy due to a condition called placenta previa. This condition put both my life and the baby’s at risk because of severe bleeding.
When I reached seven months, I was on bed rest. Still, we did not disclose any information to the church. Yet, one night, a couple from the church came to visit and prayed with us. Then, right when they were about to leave, my water broke.
How Miracles Happen When We Trust in the Holy Spirit
Then, I went to the hospital and had my baby naturally without any complications. Even the doctor was shocked by how it had happened.
Now, this child is in his last semester of seminary.
I share this story to show you how God works.
The couple did not know what we were going through. But the Holy Spirit sent them at the right time to provide us with encouragement and love during a time of despair.
Their visit gave us hope.
How did this experience encourage me?
Often, we worry about things that we have no control over. We doubt things and say, “God doesn’t hear us or see our pain.” This experience taught me the importance of patience during difficult times. Even when we don’t see God, He is still working behind the scenes on our behalf and for our good.
Moreover, I found peace in God during the couple’s visit. God showed me that He was in control of my life, and I didn’t have to worry anymore because I knew he would take care of everything, and He surely did. This peace helps me find solace in God. Most importantly, I had the joy that God was with me throughout the pregnancy, even when I didn’t know the outcome.
Why It Takes Time to Grow the Fruit of the Spirit in Character
We cannot produce this fruit on our own and develop them all at once. It takes time and patience. We need Jesus in every season to cultivate good fruit in our lives.
The faithfulness of the Holy Spirit is incredible. He knows what each of us needs to go on. Don’t give up in life. You will not manifest them all at once. It will take time.
We need to ask the Lord to guide us. Stay connected with Jesus, love Him, and you will see His glory. When we surrender to Jesus, He shows up.
Life is hard, but God provides us with the fruit of the Spirit and sustains us. In our struggles, Jesus will send someone to help and strengthen us through our season.
We produce fruit when we share our fears, concerns, and testimonies with others.
Conclusion: Staying Close to Jesus to Grow Good Character
In conclusion, to have the fruit of the Holy Spirit. You need to stay connected to the vine and ask Him to hold your hands and guide your footsteps.
Regardless of your season, lean on Jesus and let others in to build your faith.
Learn to share your stories to encourage those around you as we navigate the hardships of life.
Allow Jesus to use you to help those around you. Deciding to walk in the Spirit will show those around us the power of God’s love and what it means to live like Jesus.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for this day. Please, help us bear good fruits for your kingdom. Lord, we are incomplete without You, but with You, we are complete.
Make us a beacon of light to help those around us who are discouraged. God, let us let them know that You are with them and will not leave or forsake them.
Make us a blessing to those going through a tough time by showing them love like You.
Father God, help us flourish as children of God and strengthen us to be a good servant.
Father, manifest the fruit of the Spirit in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen!