The Fruit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

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I chased the gifts long before I understood the fruit, wanting power before I had let You grow character.

I did not know a tree could look impressive and still be barren.

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Fruit does not come from trying harder to be loving, or joyful, or patient. It comes from staying attached to the Vine long enough that His own nature begins to show up as mine.

I have watched patience appear in me on days I had none of my own to offer, and known it was not mine to take credit for.

I called it maturity.

It was You, the secret behind every fruit I have ever borne.

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Forgive me for chasing power before I let You grow character.

Fruit is not produced by effort.

It is produced by abiding, and You do the rest.

Fruit-bearing Spirit, grow in me what only You can grow.

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A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for fruit that is Your work, not my performance.

Thank You for character before power, and patience I did not manufacture myself.

Keep growing Your fruit in me. Amen.

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