Paul wrote to the "churches in Galatia" astonished that they were walking away from Christ and His teachings. He showed them the danger of indulging the sinful nature and reminded them of the practical side of walking in the Spirit.
By God's goodness, when we become a Christian we receive His Holy Spirit. That Spirit produces and develops His fruit within us which then becomes visible to others. Notice the singular word "fruit" (Greek: karpos is single). This is ONE fruit with nine individual aspects...we receive ALL aspects. These visible attributes of His Spirit are the best aspects of Godly character. In THE EXPERIENCING GOD DEVOTIONAL, Henry and Richard Blackaby say: "How quickly (growth) happens depends upon how completely you yield yourself to the Holy Spirit's activity."
I love fruit and eat it every day. I do not eat brown, mushy or unattractive fruit...an occasional brown spot gets by! In the same way, my "fruit" should look healthy and fresh. The sinful nature makes all nine of these aspects less than they were intended to be.
Two of my favorite passages (I haven't figured out how to get them on pillows yet!) are John 15:1-17 and Ezekiel 47:1-12. Read them fully to see how to grow quality fruit. Happy gardening!
For further study: Psalm 1:3, Psalm 128:3, Ezekiel 47:1-12, Matthew 7:16, John 15:1-17.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word!
Love,
Holly
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