Introduction to Fruit of the Spirit Blog

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law" Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV).

Genesis: Fruit of the Spirit Blog

Yesterday, I was looking at my "To Do" list and feeling a bit overwhelmed. Here's some of what I faced:

• Faith in Action Ministry outreach follow-ups (5 items)

• Narrow Path Pilgrim research and writing (7 items)

• Book project (write three pages)

• Prayer text messages (several)

• "McChurch" Fellowship

• Email follow-ups (several more)

• Write a creative nonfiction article for Medium

• Read/Review three articles on Medium

• Continue writing a fiction story for publication on Medium

• Etc…

And then the Holy Spirit said, "Hey! What's wrong with your "To-Do" list?"

I'm supposed to be writing "for, about, and to" God. That's my primary "mission." So how did I get those Medium.com items on the list? Short answer–Shiny Object Syndrome. Do you also suffer from this?

Shiny Object Syndrome

How many times in a day does the enemy use "shiny objects" to distract us from the mission God has planned for us? Their allure is so enticing.

Can't you hear that voice saying, "Wouldn't you like to write a fun, creative, short fiction story for a new audience, on a new platform, instead of that post for Jesus? After all, there are potential believers out there that you are missing!"

Oh yes, the devil is alive in the hearts and minds of believers. He will use every distortion of the truth to pull us away from our work.

He knows that many of us are easily distracted, much like a dog that turns a five-minute walk into a 30-minute adventure. There's always something new to sniff.

Shiny Objects Approved by God

So I decided to give in to the temptation and start a NEW blog–so much for self-control! However, this new adventure will focus on all nine fruit of the Spirit. I will follow the Holy Spirit as to which one I am to write about on any given day. Sound good to you?

This approach allows for "shiny objects" that are each "approved by God." I can stay on my mission, serve you, and honor the commitment I made to God 20 years ago — to write about Him and for Him.

What Is the Fruit of the Spirit and Why Does It Matter?

Turn to Galatians 5:16-21 in your Bible. In the verses preceding the description of the fruit of the Spirit, the Apostle Paul is clear that we should not walk in the "lusts of the flesh."

Paul launches into a laundry list of sins that are against the Spirit. Take a look at that list. Do you recognize any in your own life, past or present? Me too! In fact, none of us is without sin.

What is the Fruit of the Spirit?

But then, God, through Paul's words, lists for us the nine fruit of the Spirit. Notice that fruit is singular–not fruits. This is because God gives believers "fruit," a metaphor for His quality, which is expressed in nine different characteristics: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Why Does it Matter?

If we compare the lust of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, it is clear why Paul says, "...Against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:23). This is why it matters that we focus on bearing spiritual fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence that God is working in us.

And if God is working in us, we will be experiencing these traits on a personal level, which leads to blessing others.

Do you know any people who reflect the fruit of the Spirit? Hopefully, we all do, and those are the people we enjoy being around. They bear the fruit of the Spirit...they shine the Light of Christ.

Fruit of the Spirit is a Gift From God

It's important to understand that the fruit of the Spirit is a gift from God for those who accept His Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior. Spiritual fruit is not produced by willpower, nor can it be obtained by worldly teaching.

To understand the nature of God's gift, we must remember:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16, NKJV).

Note: I wrote about God's greatest gift as a prerequisite for the fruit of the Spirit. You can read it here.

We can bear more fruit of the Spirit as we draw closer to Jesus, and the longer we walk in the Spirit. It is a walk worth taking.

What You Can Expect from this Blog

You can expect the following:

• Three posts per week (minimum) on a topic related to one (or more) of the fruit of the Spirit.

• Stories, devotionals, case studies, Bible studies, and whatever the Holy Spirit has for me to write related to the fruit of the Spirit.

• You can also expect me to fall short of expectations! I'm a retired counselor education professor with 40 years of experience in the secular counseling profession, not a trained Biblical scholar. I've been a follower of Christ for 20 years; long enough to know what I don't know.

• You can also expect that I have more questions than answers; however, I will do my best to research God's Word and pray for discernment before offering a position.

• If I'm not sure, I'll let you know.

• Expect this to be a shared journey, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Most of what I write will be structured around a similar narrative arc, allowing us to experience Christ's presence along the Way.

• Hopefully, each post will offer practical applications, as well as encouragement and inspiration.

I look forward to this new adventure with you as we explore the fruit of the Spirit.

Leave a comment with any questions, concerns, or suggestions!

Iron sharpens iron!

God bless!