How Does the Fruit of the Spirit Grow?

A short devotion by Cheryl Zelenka

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

“GOODNESS and KINDNESS live in the hearts of those who have suffered greatly, as the wounded tend to learn compassion through their misery.

GENTLENESS is born out of the adversity that has challenged a believer, but who has then released all hopes for vindication to the power of God.

PEACE is a fruit that grows from seeds of trust.

LOVE matures as we learn to give up pieces of ourselves for the benefit of others, knowing full well that every piece we loose is replaced by an even more wondrous portion of Christ.

JOY comes from knowing God and experiencing His strength during trials.

PATIENCE is learned through experiences of long-suffering and allows the saint to move forward on his earthy journey, while always longing for his real home in heaven.

FAITHFULNESS means commitment. It is a sold-out attitude and stance that resonates a belief in God’s unquestionable ability to do the impossible.

Finally, the believer who suffers in the name of Christ for love’s sake grows in

SELF-CONTROL With this final fruit, the temptations of the devil lessen and loose their power. We gain strength by gaining self-control.

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