The fruit of the Spirit is...

Galatians 5:22

When you buy fruit, you choose some succulent, delicious, healthy substances. Fruit is part of a healthy diet.

Of course, Paul ate fruit (probably dates and figs). In Galatians he’s not listing tasty, sweet objects that satisfy our palate. He’s identifying signs that the Spirit has entered our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5.22, 23). These qualities are also part of a healthy lifestyle!

The fruit we buy at a market benefits only the eater. The fruit of the Spirit benefits other people, as well as ourselves. Sharing the fruit of the Spirit is a sign of caring relationships as well as spiritual health.

Keep eating fruit. Keep producing good fruit in your life and relationships. Keep sharing all that good fruit with others. That’s what Jesus’ people do!

Neal Orabka North
Las Vegas, NV

Lord, thank you for giving me fruit to eat and fruit to share. Amen.

Reflect: Who needs some of your fruit?

Read: Galatians 5:15-24 and John 15:12-17