April 25, 2025

WHAT FRUIT IS PRODUCED IN YOUR LIFE?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” 

Galatians 5:22–23 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Often, I hear people refer to the “fruits” of the Spirit. But the language Paul uses is very clear—it’s not “fruits,” plural, but “fruit,” singular. He doesn’t list nine different fruits. Instead, he describes one fruit with nine expressions.

Some scholars even suggest that love is the single fruit of the Spirit, and the other eight are expressions or manifestations of love working in and through our lives. It’s a compelling thought: that love is the root, and from it flow joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Another important reflection is that these expressions are not things we can manufacture on our own. I can’t produce faithfulness or create self-control. These aren’t personality traits I can develop through willpower—they’re spiritual qualities only the Holy Spirit can grow in me.

Our role is more like that of a farmer. A farmer doesn’t grow the crop directly. Instead, they prepare the soil, plant the seeds, water the ground, and remove the weeds. The growth comes from God.

Likewise, we must open our hearts to the seed of the Holy Spirit, allow Him to plant His presence deep in us, and invite Him to show us what needs to be removed—attitudes, habits, or behaviors that choke out His growth in our lives. We water the seed through prayer, Scripture, worship, and community. We remove the weeds through repentance and surrender.

We do have a part to play. But it’s the presence of the Holy Spirit that produces the fruit.

So, here’s the real question:

Am I giving the Holy Spirit good soil to grow fruit in my life?

• Do I give Him space and time each day?

• Do I soak my heart in God’s Word?

• Am I staying connected through prayer, meditation, and worship?

• Do I surround myself with believers who help cultivate God’s work in me?

Let’s not try to grow fruit ourselves. Let’s be good farmers.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me be a good farmer so that Your fruit can grow in my life. Show me how to partner with You in the process. Help me to see each expression of Your fruit developing in me, rooted in love and shaped by Your presence. Amen.

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