Thursday, September 21, 2023
When I think of the fruit of the Spirit, I think of Hobby Lobby wall decor. There is nothing wrong with emphasizing the attributes that we as Christians should embody, but usually there is a glaring omission. Many of the signs adorning our walls lack the source of this fruit in the lives of a Christian.
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
God in his mercy endowed all human beings with the common grace to love and show kindness to other people. Most people would say that they aspire to be more loving, patient, kind, joyful, faithful, and have more self control. And at any given point, most people can exhibit these attributes to the people they like. But, it is only through the Holy Spirit that this fruit becomes our pattern for living. It is only through him that we can be kind when we don’t want to be. It’s only through the Spirit that we can really learn to love everyone around us.
Not only does the Holy Spirit produce this fruit in our lives, but he comes alongside us and directs us. He will convict us of sin and move us toward righteousness. He intercedes for us through our prayers before the Father (Romans 8:26-27). He will bring scripture (John 14:25-26) to our minds to help us through a difficult situation. He comforts us when we are suffering. When we allow the Spirit to fill us, we are transformed.
Being a Spirit-filled Christian does not mean that we walk around with an aura. It doesn’t mean we smother those around us with our holiness. But, it does mean we look different. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that people will be drawn to Jesus. People don’t want to hear how Jesus changed our lives as much as they want to see it. They want to see that giving up everything to follow Christ is worth it. When Christ ascended into heaven, he gave us a precious gift. He sent the Holy Spirit. He is our Helper. He is our Comforter.
We do not physically have Jesus with us today, but he sent us the Holy Spirit. And that is more than enough.
Questions:
Have you ever considered the significance of the Holy Spirit in your life? Are you giving the Spirit access to every area of your life to transform you?
Next Steps:
Read through John 16:5-15 and Acts 1:4-8. Take note of what Jesus says about the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank you for filling me. Thank you for guiding me, shaping me, and convicting me. I ask that you help me see you working in my life. Grow in me the fruits that only come through you. Give me more love for those around me. Help me be kind when it’s hard. Comfort me when I am in pain. You are my helper, and I give you access to every part of my life. Make me more like Jesus. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
John 14:26
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
This post was written by Julie Mabus, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.