Perhaps just yesterday you pulled an apple out of the refrigerator and enjoyed it as a snack. Or, maybe you opened a container and sprinkled blueberries over your oatmeal. As the juicy flavor burst into your mouth, did you think about how these pieces of fruit can deepen your understanding of the fruits of the Spirit?
Jesus, God’s Son–often referred to the natural world–our normal experiences–to help explain that which is divine.
So when God describes the outflow of the Spirit as “fruit” …perhaps, by taking a look at fruit itself as we know it, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of what God meant when He shared about the fruit of the Spirit.
What is fruit?
Fruit is something tasty. It’s pleasant, less likely to be avoided (vs. vegetables) and generally seen in a positive light. It’s organic–in its original form. Growing from a seed planted in the ground, fruit is developed with more seeds inside. Which in turn, means that it is able to reproduce. In history, it could be a sign of wealth when one could offer certain fruits on the table …and oranges could be a treasure in a child’s stocking. When cut apart, fruit offers pretty patterns on the inside–so attractive that artists have taken notice. Many fruits are colorful and pretty to the eye–like the tossed luscious fruit salad seen at summer gatherings. And the juice of fruit is often used in smoothies and drinks.
Fruit is pleasant. Sweet. Delicious. Tasty. Served many times as dessert. Packed with nutrients which can nourish as well as delight.
And …fruit doesn’t happen on its own. In order to thrive, fruit needs a hand of care–a labor of watchfulness–and a toil of wisdom to bring forth that which is ripe and fresh–without disease.
Fruit comes in many varieties, each with their own list of nutrients, each with their own flavor–some, even, might seem a little strange at first, and yet, they are still a part of the fruit family. (Think tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados).
Can you think of more? Share them with me!
Isn’t it interesting though, how these reflections on the characterization of fruits, can parallel and give us insight into the fruit of the Spirit in our own lives?
The outflow of His Spirit will be something that is pleasant to others–that refreshes them. It will not repel–but more likely draw others. I think Jesus is a good example with this, in that He was the perfect representation of living with the fruits of the Spirit. And many people wanted to be around Him. Even those who disagreed seemed to be unable to leave Him alone.
Fruit also, has seeds. It’s reproductive. God’s work in our lives through His Spirit and our response will cause us to be reproducers. Helping to plant productive seeds in other’s lives so that they in turn will grow in the Spirit and start producing seeds to plant in other’s lives.
The historical idea of fruit being a wealthy-person’s luxury, even touches on a truth. In other words, as we spend faithful time in God’s Word and seek to obey Him, we will become wealthy in a spiritual sense through His Spirit.
Colorful and attractive …a life blossoming with the fruits of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit not only tastes sweet to others when it is manifested in our lives, but it also nourishes. It’s not the emptiness of entertainment or the flashiness of things that ultimately will not satisfy, it is a fruit that nourishes as well as delights.
And …the fruit of the Spirit does not happen on it’s own. In order for it to thrive, we need the soil of our hearts to be watched with care–we need to be intentional to do our part in laying the groundwork. Fruit can blossom on many vines, but there’s a difference between the healthy ones and those that are diseased.
Fruit comes in many varieties …and just so, God’s work in our lives through the Holy Spirit can be manifested in many ways.
Fruit. There’s a lot of information packed into those delicious pieces of nutrition.
And …there’s some helpful insights that they quietly provide …if we take the time to listen.
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20
