Fruit Package Deal

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, 
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control … Galatians 5:22

Bible scholars often note that Paul’s description of “the fruit of the Spirit” in this passage can be misunderstood. Paul mentions nine virtues here, yet the word for “fruit” is singular. In other words, there is one fruit of the Spirit, not “fruits,” and it shows itself in many ways (even more ways than the nine listed here—see, Colossians 3:12-17).

This confirms the interconnectedness of all virtues that develop in our lives through the Spirit’s work in us. None of them stands alone. In fact, each one requires the others in order to exist at all. When the Holy Spirit produces fruit within us, the full range of his ministry is brought to bear through us.

So we should never focus on just some of the virtues at the expense of any others. Because of our unique personalities, we might find it easier to practice some virtues than others. But that doesn’t mean we can choose a few as our favorites. Nor can we avoid a difficult virtue, such as patience, and try to excuse ourselves by saying, “I’m not a very patient person by nature.” If we are impatient by nature, that is precisely what the fruit of the Spirit is designed to conquer!

Spiritual regeneration is a “package deal.” Because “we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Praise God that his one fruit has so many deliciously good qualities!

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Enter into Prayer

Dear Father,  I ask You to fill me with a deep love for You. Grant that my love for You be passionate and not lukewarm.  Please fill me with Your powerful love for things that further Your Kingdom.  Fill me with a burning love for serving You.  Baptize me with a selfless, compassionate love for my family and for those I encounter each day.  God, by the power of Your Spirit, please fill my heart with Your powerful love.

Lord, I believe You to fill me with a supernatural joy that is unspeakable and full of glory.  Show me how I fail to rejoice and give praise at all times.

Lord, I trust You to fill me with Your perfect peace that surpasses understanding and guards my heart and mind.  Show me how I am choosing to worry and fret instead of trusting You.

Lord, I believe You to fill me with the powerful ability to wait on You and calmly endure hardships.  Reveal to me ways that I am impatient or complaining, show me ways that I can demonstrate Your Spirit of long-suffering.

Lord, I trust You to fill me with a kind and gracious attitude toward others.  Show me how I have been harsh or unkind to others.

Lord, I believe You to fill me with a generous attitude that is always looking to help others.  Please show me how I have been selfish and oblivious to the needs of others.

Lord, I trust You to fill me with powerful mountain-moving faith.  Fill me with steadfastness.  Lord, show me how I have doubted You.

Lord, please fill me with genuine humility, brokenness and a repentant, obedient spirit.  Show me how I have been proud or arrogant.

Lord, please fill me with self-control and discipline.  Please show me how I have been undisciplined, careless, or indulgent in any area of my life.

Lord, I desire the fullness of the Holy Spirit and ministry in my heart! Help me to grow to be more like Jesus in every way, so that the world will know I belong to you. All these things I pray in Your Son Jesus Name, Amen.