When people talk about the fruits of the spirit some people might actually not understand the purpose of them. Or some might think they are little symbolizes to make us children of God as little kids. I am one of those kids that had that poster of the fruits of the spirit in my Sunday school classroom. But that is the one and only poster I remember. My teacher would even gives us candy or a prize if we could cite all of them at once without cheating. It was such a competition for all the kids and they never knew that they would remember them for the rest of their lives. So let us look closer to what it means to have these childhood lessons to become a part of our lives at any age today.
"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
*Love: Of course we are to always love the Lord our God because he gave the ultimate price for us. We love each other because he loved us first (1 John 4:19). Christ gave us love not only for what he did and continues to do for us but to serve as an example. He knows that we are sinful and we often find it hard to treat others as we wish to be treated. This is such a promise that Christ has set and given us. We can look to him and see that he can teach us how to love others because that is what drives most of our connections everyday.
*Joy: God always wants us to have joy. Even though this world may seem messed up and we are constantly sinning. But God created this world for us to not only do his work but enjoy it! He doesn't want us to wake up everyday to be depressed but to be joyful in everything that we have. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne (Hebrews 12:2).
*Peace: I know that our world is not the most peaceful thing ever but could you imagine living in a world where we couldn't even go outside because of constant wars? Those times have been real in this world but I can guarantee that Christ looks with a broken heart to them. He loves us so much and he wants to see us at peace with this world and ourselves. No he does not want us to settle thinking this world is enough but he doesn't want us to fear those around us daily. And he doesn't want us to be at war with ourselves.The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11).
*Patience: God gives all things at which the time they are due. He doesn't make us wait because he likes to see us suffer. What if we got everything we wanted and it wasn't given over time? We actually would not be happy because they would not come at the right and set time of our lives. This would make our lives all over the place and abnormal.
*Kindness: The bottom line about kindness is to simply be kind. There is no beating around the bush on this one. Christ wants us to be kind to Him, ourselves, and others. If we were not kind in all of our attributes then this world would be a bear to be around!
*Goodness: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). God works all the things in our lives to better us as people. The good is always meant to win. All our lives we see good against evil. Christ wants to see the good in us rise up through the darkness.
*Faithfulness: Being faithful may be a lot of work. In order to be faithful you have to let yourself go in order to gain another's control over yourself. We have to have trust several things throughout life but faith is what connects us to them. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
*Gentleness: Christ has given us so many great examples that we can look up to. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great (Psalm 18:35). Let us take time to just sit back and realize how much he is the calming hand for us. God calms all our fears just when we ask him to. No matter what happens all around the world Christ is always calm and he always knows what to do.
*Self-Control: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). We all go through the same trials of life but that makes no excuse for our sins. He is always faithful is us and knows that he has the ability to tempt us to become stronger through him. We need to see and recognize the things in this world we fall flat to and put restraint on that. Self-control through things we love and things we don't is key in such a sinful world.
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another."
~Galatians 5:24-26
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