Galatians 5:22
The Bible is full of wonderful imagery to help us understand the spiritual truths it is communicating. We learn best from pictures and illustrations. Stories and parables are easy to remember, and drive the point home far more effectively than mere words.
The image of fruit is a perfect way to describe the Spirit's work in our lives and the character He produces in us. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence that we have the Spirit of God living within us. However, it is often challenging when we look at our lives and search for such evidence. Fruit is a real and tangible thing. It has colour, shape, texture, smell and taste.
In RT Kendall's latest book Totally Forgiving Ourselves, he says, 'Children spell love t-i-m-e.' The word love, the feeling of love, the intention of love, must be turned into something concrete. That may be as simple as spending time with someone, cooking a meal, picking up the phone, sending a card, or it might be something more wonderful, like being nailed to a cross for your friends.
Comments
Susan
I wasn't quite sure what you were getting at with your question, so I left you a rather lengthy comment back under your comment - please do elaborate! I will look forward to the conversation!
Determined to follow hard and do the right thing - yes, I think that strenght of will that Oswald Chambers calls "reckless abandon" is a good thing indeed!
Personally I have found the fruit growing as I have spent time in His Presence conversing with Him and renewing my mind by what He speaks. As Scripture says, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit [Romans 5:5]
~Sidharth
One word can symbolise so so much. Can reflect so much. Can retain so much. Can reveal so much.
blessings to you today Mike.