Being a Tree that Grows Fruit

I love this scripture passage about the fruit of the Spirit. I think we all know physical fruit grows, but are we aware that spiritual fruit grows too? This scripture explains just that. I am not a gardener, but I do love to be able to look at God’s beautiful creation.

When I look at this scripture, I can see, in my ‘tree’, fruit that has grown easily, but some has been an ongoing struggle. As a self-assessment, I can honestly say love, kindness, goodness and faithfulness were easy, almost natural, fruit for me to grow. Gentleness and self-control have taken quite a bit of work, and some pruning, but are doing well.

Joy, peace, and patience are definitely works in progress, areas where the enemy pokes, and where Father God often challenges me. There are times when it is so difficult to be joyful (when things are hurting), to have peace, especially in this troubled world, and, even though I have been forced through life’s tough experiences to learn to be patient, patience really doesn’t come easily.

What I have found is that, when I bring the areas I struggle with to Father God, there is hope. I am learning to bring Him my praise and thankfulness (even when I really don’t feel like it) in difficult situations, and He is so gracious. Instead of being angry, because I really haven’t got it yet, He just grows more fruit in me!

Can I encourage you today to bring your small ‘fruit’ offering to Father God, in thanksgiving, in the expectation that, if you ask, He will give you back hope and will grow your fruit even more?