Fruit is a sign

 

Gal 5:22-23

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.

We all know that fruit grow out of branches that are attached to  trees or shrubs or plants.  The fruit actually is a sign, or proof, of the fact that the tree/shrub/plant is alive and well.

Just so, if we display the fruit of the Spirit, it is a sign that the Branch from which they grow is alive and well within us; it means that we have a healthy, living relationship with Jesus and with Holy Spirit.

But if we are not displaying the fruit of the Spirit, we have either not given Holy Spirit access to rule over our actions at all; or we are resisting His promptings in some areas of our lives. The good news is that we can do something to rectify both these problems! 

We firstly need the baptism of the Holy Spirit, without Whom we cannot produce those fruit at all.  This means that we need to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour (this is where we initially receive Holy Spirit Who comes to live in our human spirits); and then we need to be baptised by immersion in water (this is where under most circumstances, prayer for baptism of the Holy Spirit also takes place).  That second baptism, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, is where we surrender completely and give Holy Spirit access to rule over all we do in life and He can then work freely through us. 

The problem we all face is that we stand guard over some areas in our lives and do not allow anybody (least of all ourselves) in there, mostly because of either  sin or emotional wounds.  The sin needs confessing and repentance, wounds need healing.  Both of these can be done with the help of compassionate and loving Christian counsellors, such as those individuals working in our Healing Rooms.

Do not delay even one day further – ask help if you sense that the fruit of the Spirit is being hindered from growing in your life!

Points to Ponder:

Find those areas in your life where there is a lack of growth in the Spirit, and  take the first step towards seeking help. Follow through, step by step!

Way Maker