Pastor's Blog

The Journey to Bearing the Fruit of The Spirit 

Galatians 5:22-25

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Later this month we will be hearing about the nine Fruits of the Spirit and the importance of them in and through our lives. The qualities of these Fruits of the Spirit are essential for developing Christ centered relationships and embodying God’s love in a world that needs it. Embodying the Fruits of the Spirit is the evidence of a life that has been transformed by the Holy Spirit, a life that reflects God’s character, enabling one to live in a way that provides comfort and hope to others.

Let’s begin this journey as we look toward scripture in Galatians 5: 22-25, these verses present themselves with a defined message for each of us. Paul wrote, “But the Fruit of the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

As you look at each of the Spirit produced fruits what comes to mind? In order to bear the Fruits of the Spirit one must look closely at the vine. Who do you think is the “True Vine?” Go inward, search deep and listen to your heart; feel the Spirit within, for it is there that you will find the answer to this question. Looking towards Christ can help you find the answer, for He is the “True Vine”, and we are the branches.

In John 15 verses 1 and 5, Jesus says: I am the true vine; my Father is the gardener. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing. It is only in and through Christ that we see the “True Vine,” for He is the one who brings us the grace of the Lord.

We must allow ourselves to be still, to listen carefully to Christ, faithfully following and yielding to Him. Our Heavenly Father is the one who prunes us, so that we are able to produce and bear the Fruits of the Spirit. It is through the bearing of the fruit of the Spirit that calls us into a loving, living relationship with Christ.

The importance of reading scripture and praying is vital because this is what draws our lives in union with Christ. It is through this union that we will bear fruit. Each day we must examine our own lives, and ask ourselves, “Are we in Christ and are we growing in Christ?” To answer that question, we must reverently seek the will of our Heavenly Father, for if we can do this, then He will grant us what we need.

Of all the Fruits of the Spirit, “Love” is the foremost fruit that we must produce. In producing the fruit of “Love,” it will enable us to grow so that others can see God’s “Love” in us.

Take the time today to commit yourself to this journey and allow Christ to be your “True Vine.” Allow God to prune you so that your branches can produce the Fruits of the Spirit. May you each find the strength to branch out, to seek the “True Vine.”

Blessings,

Pastor Susan

Upcoming Sermons

June 1 Message: “The Ascension of Jesus” Luke 24:44-53 

JUNE 8 Message: “The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost” Acts 2:1-4 

June 15 Message: “Right with God: Peace and Hope” Romans 5:1-5 

June 22 Message: “Fruits of the Spirit Part 1/Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness” Galatians 5:22-23 

June 29 Message: “Fruits of the Spriit Part 2: Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self Control” Galatians 5:22-23