September 19, 2026
Fruit of the Spirit
It’s easy to implement the Fruits of the Spirit. But not easy to apply them consistently. Our humanity makes discipline a struggle, but when we push through to victory the rewards are amazing!
My husband exhibits Fruit of the Spirit love every day. I am convicted by that light of love, acceptance and selflessness. My friend Lemmell lives in pure joy and peace. I watch them and slowly I learn. The Fruits of the Spirit are attainable but require a selflessness I have yet to attain. But through God and with God I continue to strive.
Living blessed by the Fruits of the Spirit is an ambitious goal. We long for that peace and calm attitude. When we see it in others, we long for what they have. Kindness and patience do not produce ulcers. Allowing and preferring others blesses us in ways we will only understand when it becomes a lifestyle.
According to Galatians 5:22-23, we learn, “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!”
These are areas that challenge me. I was raised in a home where lying was not allowed for children but practiced by adults, I formed an opinion and made vows that only truth had value. This caused me to be critical and judgmental and sort of proud of that. That combination rules our gentleness. The difficulty of feeling righteous when we’re being unmerciful is a rough habit to overcome. Only submission and desire for the Fruits of the Spirit make this possible.
Rereading and recommitting to Scripture and the teachings of Jesus, helps us remain kind, forgiving, loving and sacrificial. God never promised it would be easy but He promises it will be rewarding!
Lord God, I long to surrender my will to Your will. I do not want to live life without the comfort and guidelines we gain from the Fruits of the Spirit. Joy, love and patience have immense power to envelope our lives in blessings, to immerse our testimony in influence, and to render each encounter with Jesus-like authority. Help me reach out with love and longing as I testify to every lost soul.
Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. Psalm 66:16