The Fruit Of The Spirit

Children of God walk much different than those of the world. A Christian is one who has a different lifestyle of thought, deed and manner of living. What sets them apart from the world is the life of the Christian does not seek to fulfill the desires of the flesh. Paul wrote in Galatians 5:16, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." Walking in the Spirit is to be filled with the characteristics that originate from God. Living in the Spirit is to walk according to the Spirit and to be led by the Spirit. The mind is filled with the Spirit and the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8)

The nature of the child of God is goodness, righteousness and truth. These attributes are not brought about by seeking the things of the world but the separation one experiences as the Spirit of God works in their lives. From the time of obedience in the waters of baptism, the gift of the Spirit is a working and active part of the Christian's life. (Acts 2:38,39) What is borne from this life is expressed by Paul in Galatians 5:22,23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." The "fruit of the Spirit" is the fruit that originates or comes from the Spirit.

To love one another is a love that comes from walking in the Spirit. Enjoying the everlasting joy of the Father is expressed from the Spirit abiding in the heart of the child of God. From realms of peace that pass all understanding, the life of the saint if found in patience, kindness and goodness. Faithfulness is the watch-word from the Spirit of God as a character of gentleness if manifested from the heart of His disciple. With the Spirit guiding and directing the lives of the follower of Christ, a power of self-control is evidence in word and deed.

The follower of God walks in love and wisdom as they walk in the light in the character of the new man. The new man is renewed in the spirit of the mind that was and is created according to the Father, in righteousness and true holiness. Instead of seeking the dissipation of the flesh, the promise of God is given to His children to be filled with Spirit and speak "to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (Ephesians 4:17-5:21)

The fruit of the Spirit is the expression of the Father living in us. The characteristic of the Spirit living in us is the filling of our lives with the things that are excellent. As Paul wrote to the saints in Philippi, "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:9-11) The fruits of righteousness come by abiding in Christ as He is the vine and we the branches. (John 15) As we abide in the vine, we express the fruits of that relationship in our lives.

How wonderful and powerful to know of the blessing given by God to those who seek an eternal home. The Father has given us His Spirit! "Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (2 Timothy 1:13,14) "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." (John 15:8)

By Kent E Heaton Sr

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