Theme of the Week: Summer Fruits
Bible Verse: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23
In our Briercrest Athletic department, we talk a lot about the importance of off-season training programs for our athletes. Our players can’t just make a decision to be stronger, faster, or possess more stamina. They need to understand both the process and their role in it to make the desired gains. They must do more than just ‘show up’ to the gym. They must put in the work and let the process do its thing.
When I have read the Bible texts about the fruit of the spirit in our lives, I have sometimes been tempted to expect the same thing. If I just decide to grow in the fruit of the Spirit, then it will happen, right? Not entirely…
It’s not as simple as just wanting or deciding to be more loving or patient or have more self-control. No matter how hard I “try” it never seems to work very well!
We can sometimes think that we can grow these fruits on our own strength. We can maybe fake it a bit outwardly but that isn’t what Jesus has invited us into.
As we take a careful look at today’s verse, we see that it is the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives that produces the real fruit! Transformation both in the gym and in your heart takes time.
We can’t produce His real and lasting fruit without the Spirit’s work in our lives and hearts. He alone can bring true and lasting transformation. Our role is to surrender our lives to him and put ourselves in the places where He will do that work that only He can do.
Have you been trying to grow fruit on your own? Have you considered abandoning yourself to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit?
As we journey together this week considering the fruit of the Spirit, I pray that these devotionals and God’s word can be opportunities for His Spirit to do that deeper work in all of our lives.
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