“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) Those of us who have Christ as our Savior and have His Spirit living in us should be bearing this fruit for God’s glory and for the benefit of other people. While it is true that we also benefit from these fruits being in our life, that is not the primary purpose. We as followers of Christ are to put God first in our lives, and then the needs of others according to Matthew 22:37-39. By definition, a fruit is the product of a plant or tree that bears seeds for the purpose of reproduction. The fruit product itself provides nourishment for whoever consumes it, but it also carries seeds to bring new life into being. As we bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, etc. to people, we provide others nourishment and help for life. But along this action, we also need to be sure the seed of that fruit is transferred so that person may find new life in Christ as well, and they in turn can bear fruit for God’s glory. We often do not look far enough ahead in what God’s purposes are for us. We desire love, joy and peace for ourselves, and if we benefit others to some degree, that is great with us. However, God intends for our fruit to not only bless others with our character and kindness, but to give them life as we share the gospel message, the Word of God, the seed we are to scatter wherever we go. Let us not fall short of God’s purposes by just being “nice” people, let us be faithful in offering the “seed” of God’s Word, the message of Christ’s sacrifice for all people, so that others can be changed for eternity. This will bring our Lord great pleasure and joy as the Bible tells us that there is rejoicing in Heaven when a sinner repents! (Luke 15:7) Bear fruit for God and for others!
