Years ago I served as a short-term missionary in Ecuador. One of my first meals there included a fruit I’d eaten many times back home in Illinois, although more often from a can than the produce section.
But that day the golden wedges provided an uber-delightful surprise: more flavor, more sweetness, and less acidity than any I’d enjoyed in the States. It was as if I was eating a different fruit.
That’s because Ecuador grows some of the world’s best pineapple. Their location on the equator and the volcanic soil of the Andes Mountains provides perfect growing conditions. I gained new appreciation for what pineapple could be.
There’s another kind of fruit that many of us are familiar with, but it’s not the kind we eat. It’s the fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Many of you can probably recite its nine aspects:
What follows are brief thoughts on each. I pray we gain new appreciation for what this fruit can be—perhaps even uncover a surprise or two.
LOVE
If you were asked, what’s a powerful, practical way to express love for others, what would you say? Theologian John Calvin suggested intercession [1]. To pray for a person is to love that person.
Who might you love with a prayer today?
JOY
Scripture tells us to “rejoice always” [2], but that’s hard to do when problems and pain come our way.
Selwyn Hughes offers this perspective: Even though our difficulties may have begun with the devil, by the time they get to us and through us, they will have a divine purpose running through them [3].
Now that we can joyfully celebrate.
PEACE
“The truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person,” asserts Lysa TerKuerst [4]. And Isaiah 26:3 suggests why:
What better way to fix our thoughts than with thanksgiving? And as we affirm God’s blessings, peace will warm our hearts.
PATIENCE
Patience blossoms best in the soil of God’s promises, as we wait for him to intervene. His promises cover every circumstance; our part is to know them and believe, then patiently anticipate their fulfillment.
Are you clinging to a scripture-promise today? Turn it into a prayer of faith, hope, and patience [5].
KINDNESS
We can grow this attribute with one action: meditate on God’s kindness to us [6]. Meditation fosters appreciation; appreciation fosters emulation, and soon we find God’s kindness becoming more a part of who we are.
GOODNESS
This trait often seems out of reach. But instead of trying harder to be good, author Philip Yancey recommends: simply love God. “A person who truly loves God will be inclined to please God” [7].
Also worth remembering, the inclination to always please self results in dissatisfaction and restlessness [8].
FAITHFULNESS
Every year thousands gather to see Old Faithful, even though it’s not the tallest geyser in the world. Why is it so popular? Dependability. You can count on Old Faithful.
What might dependability look like for you today?
GENTLENESS
A list of traits of successful people rarely includes gentleness. Yet this attribute contributes much to prosperity in life. That’s because: “[Gentleness] creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God” [9].
It’s the gentle-spirited souls who lean in toward God with yielding hearts to rest in his sovereignty. And then, think of it: God, with all his glorious attributes, comes close (James 4:8).
SELF-CONTROL
“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls”[10]–vulnerable to all sorts of problems.
Better to take the wise course, prayerfully availing ourselves of the Holy Spirit’s help, to develop those habits we know will bring benefit and usefulness.
* * * * * * * * * *
And now, our fruit bowl is full! Did you find any surprises?
I pray this week, you enjoy one or more aspects of this familiar fruit–with fresh appreciation!
[1] https://gracequotes.org/topic/love-others_for/
[2] 1 Thessalonians 5:16
[3] Every Day Light, 124.
[4] Embraced, 256.
[5] A few favorite scripture-promises include: Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 41:10, 31; Romans 8:28; James 1:5.
[6] From a sermon our pastor preached last spring.
[7] Grace Notes, 325.
[8] Ecclesiastes 2:10-26
[9] Albert M. Wells, Jr., Inspiring Quotations Contemporary & Classical, 91.
[10] Proverbs 25:28 NLT
Art & photo credits: http://www.needpix.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pickpic.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.negativespace.com; http://www.deviantart.com (vulcanknight).
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If you know of a Presidential candidate that exhibits these fruits please let me know Nancy so I can intelligently cast my vote in November ☺️. In the meantime I’ll continue to pray.
Even if Moses was running for president, he would need our prayer! You’ve chosen the wise course, Fred. Prayer is our best strategy no matter who’s on the ballot.
You’ve expounded on the fruit of the Spirit in a delightful way. Thank you! 🙂
I’m so glad you found delight here, Nancy. Praise God for his inspiration!
I love this post. I have am always eager to read and learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit. (As a matter of fact, I am currently reading a devotional about the Fruit of the Spirit, titled “Making God Smile” by Kim Taylor Henry.) I really appreciate the insight your shared about each of the fruit. And really Nancy, I am always so impressed on how organized you are. In all of your posts you amaze me with the way you gather meaningful Scripture verses and quotes.
Thank you so much for your kind, encouraging words, Bridget. I’ve been collecting quotes for about 30 years; blogging gives me a chance to share them! I also love sharing scripture, hopefully highlighting just how relevant and wonderful it is. God’s Word may be old, but it’s as applicable today as it was thousands of years ago–which is an amazing reality in itself!
Loved the insight you shared each of the fruit of the spirit. The quotes were just so perfect for each one.
Thank you, Manu! So glad you found insight here. Praise God for his leading!
Love it 🥰 that basket is over flowing
You’re right–the fruit of the Spirit never runs out! Plenty for all who come to the table!
When we seek God first and foremost, and link our lives to Jesus, we can’t help but produce extraordinary fruit as a witness to others about the overflowing extravagance of God’s love. I so love your post here, Nancy. Blessings always!
Thank you, Martha. Our God IS overflowing with extravagant love–Hallelujah!
Nancy, I love this inspiring post. The fruit of the Spirit will produce a fruitful life. Blessings~
Amen, Pam. How gracious of our Heavenly Father to grant us his love, joy, peace, etc. for our own benefit, but also makes us a part of his work in this world as we extend love, joy, peace, etc. to others!
I have a post it note in my Bible with these delectable fruits listed on it—a reminder to meditate on their importance and to check for their presence in my life.
TT
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Thank you for this inspiration. You always give us such good information, filled with all the attributes you shared with us today.
Thank you, Kathy. I’m so glad you found inspiration here. Praise God for HIS inspiration!
Thank you, Nancy, I love this post! Yes, it did give me fresh appreciation!!
I’m so glad, Debbie. Praise God for his inspiration!
Thank you for sharing this fruit bowl with us!!! Wonderful post! Wishing you a great weekend!
Thank you and you’re welcome, Linda! (Also appreciate your well-wishes for a great weekend. We’ve no special plans, providing a good opportunity for a spring-cleaning project or two!)
There are endless spring projects!!! I hope you get a lot done!
Thanks, Linda!
‘Who might you love with a prayer today?’
Woah. This caught my eye immediately and traveled right to my soul. This we can all do … on a regular basis. Talk about putting our faith to work …
Indeed we can all pray for one another and partner with God in his marvelous work. Love IS putting our faith to work in each other’s lives. Well said, Linda!
Once again, Nancy, you have blessed me tremendously with your words and more importantly, God’s words. I absolutely love what you said about joy: “Even though our difficulties may have begun with the devil, by the time they get to us and through us, they will have a divine purpose running through them.” All things DO work together for good, don’t they, to those who love God and who are called. This blog is another keeper for me and I thank you.
I too found that Selwyn Hughes’ quote especially meaningful, Patty. So glad this post ministered to your heart! Praise God!
I like how you lay each fruit out and give us a taste! Often I ask myself – what is the most loving thing/approach I can do in this situation? That always reminds me to be loving.
That’s a GREAT question to ask as we interact with people! Thank you for adding it to the conversation, Jean!
Wonderful advice, Nancy! “If you were asked, what’s a powerful, practical way to express love for others, what would you say? Theologian John Calvin suggested intercession [1]. To pray for a person is to love that person.
Who might you love with a prayer today?”
Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome, Stacey. I’m so glad you found that paragraph about love especially meaningful.
I love how you point out the amazing goodness of fruit picked and eaten where it’s grown. And your comments on the fruit of the Spirit truly bring those values and character spaces to life!
Thank you, Dayle, and praise God for his inspiration!
This is the sort of list to be printed out, framed on the wall, and referenced regularly as THE way of life. The surprise in the bowl for me: “joy” is right there in the middle of “rejoice”. How have I not seen that in all of my years?
Now you’ve got me wondering about the etymology of rejoice and that prefix “re.” Might “rejoice” mean to take joy again (multiple times?) in a happy event or circumstance? I wonder if you could find enough compelling info about “rejoice” to write one of your word-study posts, Dave?!
I’m certainly curious now 🙂
These fruit of the Spirit are tasty and beneficial for everything that might ail us. I’m hearing the song in my head now that I learned when I memorized them all. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this and about the fruit in Ecuador. I can imagine how juicy the pineapple was!
You’re welcome, Lisa. I’m not familiar with a fruit of the Spirit song, but that would be a good one to know! Might have to see what I can find on YouTube . . .
Good thought-provoking questions. We found the bananas in the Philippines tasted so much better plucked straight from the tree than those we were used in buying in the stores. When we returned to the USA, it took us a while to get used to the taste of those we buy in the stores.
Thank you, Barb. Though any fruit fresh off the tree, bush, or plant IS superior, I’m still thankful we have such a variety of produce in our grocery stores. ‘Know you feel the same!
Nancy, I’ve sent you an email. My comment didn’t show up on this post. Please read my email. Thanks sweet friend!
I wonder what happened, because THIS comment showed up!🤣 Yes, I will certainly read my email.
It is strange. It has happened to me twice before. I’ll post a comment on your blog and it doesn’t appear. So I try again and it tells me that it is a duplicate! Some sort of internet glitch, I imagine.
Agreed–that is very strange!
This is very great post Nancy
Thank you, Irene! As always I have to thank God for his inspiration.
This made me think of how delightful and refreshing fruit is! And how the fruits of the spirit are equally as delightful and refreshing and nourishing to our soul and to others when they see those fruits growing and vibrant in our lives!!
Thank you for the delightful and refreshing insight, Alicia. What a lovely image: BEING a luscious fruit bowl to offer delight and refreshment to others! 😁
Blessings Nancy for opening up Scripture with this timely testament. When I pass pineapple at the grocery store, I will have a more divine perspective.
No doubt it would be worthwhile to contemplate the fruit of the Spirit as we peruse the produce section! Thanks for the suggestion, Richard!