Holy Spirit Fruit

Posted by Melissa

What does an apple tree produce? Apples. That’s why we call it an apple tree. Will an apple tree ever suddenly begin to grow coconuts? Of course not. That’s just not its nature.

People are born with a sin nature. However, unlike the apple tree, people can actually change their nature. When we experience the transforming love of Christ, repent of our sinfulness, and trust Jesus for salvation, we’re actually given a new nature. And, because of that, we produce a different kind of fruit.

Read Galatians 5:22-26. Pay special attention to verses 22-23.

Based on these verses, how do you recognize a person whose life is controlled by the Holy Spirit?

Does this passage mean that you should try as hard as you can to be loving, joyful, peaceful, and so forth? Why or why not?

What is the difference between trying hard to produce the fruit and living by the Holy Spirit so that He produces the fruit in you? Explain.

When you take an honest look at your life, what kind of fruit do you see? What would your parents say? Your best friends? Your cabin mates?

When does your life tend to produce the most Holy Spirit fruit?

When does your life tend to lack the fruit of the Spirit?

Some people are angry all the time. Other people are never happy. People can be impatient, unkind, faithless, and self-indulgent. None of that is what the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. When your life is controlled by the Holy Spirit, you will see His fruit ebbing out of you. It may start with a little joy. Soon you will find yourself growing in patience, goodness, and genuine love. The key is to live by the Spirit. The question is, are you?

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Galatians 5, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.