Fruit That Lasts

 

“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.” — Galatians 5:22–23

In place of our old nature, the Spirit grows something beautiful: the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not merely virtues to strive for but the very character of Christ being formed in us. C.S. Lewis wrote that God’s aim is not just to make us “nice people” but “new people.” His work is not about polishing our old nature but transforming us from the inside out. As Paul says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).

This fruit does not appear overnight but matures as we remain connected to the True Vine (John 15:5). Alexander Maclaren described it as ripening “silently and gradually, like the ripening of a summer orchard.” Spiritual growth is a process, often hidden, but steadily shaping our hearts. Richard Foster reminds us that the spiritual disciplines — prayer, Scripture meditation, service — do not produce the fruit by themselves but simply put us in the place where God can grow it. The Father is the Gardener; Christ is the Vine, we are the branches yielding to His care.

As we surrender to the Spirit daily, we begin to reflect Jesus’ life more fully. His joy becomes our strength in trials, His peace our anchor in storms, His love our motivation to serve others. This transformation is not just for our own benefit — it is a witness to the world. When the Spirit’s fruit is evident in our lives, others see the beauty of Christ and are drawn to Him. Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,  may your Holy Spirit shape our hearts to love, strengthen us with joy, anchor us with peace, and teach us patience and kindness. Make us faithful, gentle, and self-controlled so that our lives reflect the beauty of Jesus. Amen.