Fruit - Wrap Up

Following up in the study, the end of verse 23 in Galatians 5 tells us basically these fruits we possess are not a result of following any laws. They are only a result of the Holy Spirit being at work in our life. They have to be cultivated over time and circumstances. Yes, they are commanded to us by God, but without the Holy Spirit's working in our life, the fruits won't be manifested in us.

Romans 8:9 tells us that "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him."
Paul is telling us here that once we trust Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in us. Once the Holy Spirit lives in us, there will be evidence of His dwelling. Such things like the fruits we have been studying.....love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control will be evident in the Christian's life. We should recognize Christians by the fruits they live out in Galatians 5. If there is no evidence of these fruits in the Christian's life, maybe the person is not who they think they are in Christ. 

One thing to remember is these fruits will manifest themselves over time. We don't wake up one day and suddenly have them all mastered and live them out totally 100% of the time. We still sin.....we still need repentance (sometimes hourly)......we still need our God to show us time and time again what we need to work on. Another thing, the fruits are all cultivated at the same time. The Holy Spirit works in us shaping all of them at once. We don't master one and move to the next. Other passages of Scripture give us more qualities of a Christian. 2 Corinthians 6:6.....Ephesians 4:2.....Ephesians 5:9.....Colossians 3:12-15. All these references tell us that the Holy Spirit produces all these qualities in the believer's life. We have to do our part, but without Him, we can't accomplish God's will for our life in showing His love to others.

For me, studying these attributes of a Christian, makes me realize I have a lot to learn and work on in my own life. In talking with a friend, recognizing where we need to be better is always a good thing. That means the Holy Spirit is helping us see what we need to do to be better witnesses for Jesus. Thank you God for your patience with me. Thank you that you love and use me in spite of me. Amen.