Christians should desire spiritual gifts, but the best evidence of a spirit-filled lifestyle isn’t spiritual giftedness. Spirit-filled living is best demonstrated through the fruit of the spirit, lived out in everyday life. As A.W. Tozer once said, “The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people.”
Fruit vs. Fruits- Notice v. 22 refers to the ‘fruit’ of the spirit rather than the ‘ fruits’ of the Spirit. This is because the fruit of the Spirit comes from one source: the Holy Spirit. God’s call to commit our lives to Him is one of continuing action. We are to continually seek the filling of the Holy Spirit to know the fruit of the Spirit.
Practical Step- Look at the attributes of the fruit of the spirit listed in v. 22-23, and see if there is 1-2 attributes you struggle with. Resolve today to grow with God in your weakness. Be persistent in your prayers as this will protect you from becoming unfruitful in your spiritual growth (2 Peter 1:8). Also, tell a trusted Christian friend about your resolution, and commit this to prayer.
Don’t resolve to be perfect…resolve to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit every day (Romans 12:1-2). Will you resolve to grow in the fruit of the Spirit?
Pastor Jason Marshall