What does it mean to be fruitful? What is the fruit of the Spirit?
Jesus tells us in John 15 that He is the Vine, and as long as we remain in Him, we will produce much fruit. But without Him we produce nothing. But what is it that we are supposed to be producing? The evidence of our faith is a fruit. By acting in accordance to our faith, and refraining from sin, we are demonstrating Christ in all we do. But God doesn’t leave us to stumble around. We have the Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Some people believe that being fruitful only means multiplying the numbers. Be fruitful and multiply has been used for justifying large families, to drive church growth, to enforce prosperity gospels, and even for men and women representing God to pat themselves on the back thinking about how many people they brought into the Kingdom of God. Our fruit-fullness is not about us. It should always be to give Him and Him alone glory.
A wonderful clip from a sermon made the way around TikTok, and probably other social media platforms. Unfortunately hitting the save button was not a thought at that time to be able to share again and to give credit. It was about a tree that bears fruit. The tree gets no additional value from the fruit it produces. The fruit does not nourish the roots. In fact, if the tree clung to the fruit until it fell and took root next to it, they would be in competition for growth and one would choke the other out. The fruits are not for the tree. The fruits are for those who come along and are hungry and need refreshments. The fruits of the tree are for everyone except that tree. Thus is the same for our fruits.
Fruits can also be considered gifts. God has given us fruits to share not to hoard for ourselves. Peter 4:10 says: as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
While it is true we are blessed by the Father for being fruitful. We are servants and long to hear Well done good and faithful servant. But we should not be keeping a tally of the blessings we give out. It is not transactional. Because in truth, they are not ours to give. Everything belongs to God just as it states in Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is given to us by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23. These behaviors are the outward evidence of our faith. In the Amplified version it tells us:
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Against such things there is no law! Which means we can keep committing acts of love, demonstrations of kindness, and exhibit patience without limits. There are no restrictions, no negative consequences, nor do these things truly run out if they are fueled by the spirit.
My favorite way of demonstrating love for others is through prayer. I get such joy praying with and for others. I do not always have eloquent prayers. Sometimes I stumble over my words. But prayer is the most precious gift we can give and receive. Why? Because it is a demonstration of our confidence that in God nothing is impossible. And that we truly desire the Lord to touch the life of another person. Where we are limited, we know He is not. It means something that someone would sacrifice their time, set aside their own needs, and petition to the Lord on your behalf.