When we live our lives led by the Spirit, it becomes evident in the way we live. We cannot be truly led by the Spirit and not experience a change in our behavior, attitudes, and reactions. The Holy Spirit is what guides us to these good things instead of to our sinful nature.

 

The Greek word for “fruit” that is used here in Galatians 5 is karpos and is used to describe the outcome of something. When this fruit mentioned in Galatians 5 is seen in our lives then it is a sign that we are being led by the Spirit.

 

In order for a tree to produce fruit, its branches have to be connected to the tree. In order for us to produce this fruit, we have to be connected to the Spirit. What kind of fruit are you producing? Is your fruit showing evidence that you are connected to God?

 

It’s important to note that it doesn’t say FRUITS of the Spirit, but FRUIT. It’s singular. All of these attributes need to be displayed in our lives. Not just one. Not just a few. You need to display it all. A few verses before Paul mentions that the flesh (our sinful, human desires) wants to do what is contrary to the Spirit. You can either be led by the Spirit or led by the flesh, but not both. So, if one of these attributes is not in display in your life then you might need to analyze where you are being led by the flesh and not the Spirit. The only way this fruit grows is by staying connected to God.

 

You were never meant to display anything else but this fruit of the Spirit. Tim Keller says it this way, “The Spirit-fueled development of Christ-like character is liberating, because it brings us closer to being the people we were designed to be, the people our Spirit-renewed hearts want us to be.”

 

It might not be in our nature to always be patient or always be kind, but this is where we have to fight against our flesh so the Spirit can lead us. In the end, it brings freedom to our lives. It makes us free from the things of this world that will never truly satisfy. You are meant to display this fruit.

 

REFLECT: What kind of fruit are you producing? Is your fruit showing evidence that you are connected to God? Who are you being led by? The flesh or the Spirit? Do you feel the war between your flesh and the Spirit? In what areas of your life do you feel it the most? Where do you need the Spirit’s guidance the most? What fruit do you need more work on? 

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PRAY: Surrender any parts of you that are being led by the flesh. Pray that God help you overcome your flesh so that you can be led by the Spirit and produce this fruit.

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ADDITIONAL READING: Galatians 5:16-26; Romans 8:1-12​

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Take a few minutes to think about this and write your thoughts down in a notebook or notes app.