But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
The best way to sell an orange tree is by showcasing its fruits. The fruits attract people who want to buy or enjoy it. When people taste it, they desire the tree itself. However, a fruit-bearing tree loses appeal if its fruit is not ripe and in good condition. The fruit sells the tree.
From our passage, we understand that our lives should reflect the fruit of the tree we belong to—the Spirit. Our connection to Christ is revealed when we display the fruit of the Spirit. As believers, when we exhibit this fruit, others desire it and seek its source. This attractiveness captures their attention and invites them closer.
Fruit is the external result of an inner relationship with Christ, showing the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives. It acts as the “dressing” that draws others to know the God we represent. The life of the Spirit announces to a starving world that there is nourishment and life here. “Come and be filled; come and meet God,” it says.
Yet only a life deeply rooted in Jesus can reveal His life to others. Our fruitfulness shows our attachment. Therefore, our connection is very important. Jesus instructs us to remain in Him, which enables our lives to reflect Him to the world. The type of fruit we bring forth determines whether people will find satisfaction or continue to starve spiritually.
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
John 15:4 NLT
Moreover, our connection to the vine is the foundation of everything our lives produce. Without Jesus, we cannot live a life filled with His character, as we lack His seed within us. So, our fruits define us, revealing our attachment. Will we offer nourishment, or will our lives produce sour grapes? This is a call for reflection. Is Jesus our source? Our fruitfulness depends on it, and it greatly matters.
