By Kaaren Craig

I would like to share with you something I was taught, which led to a powerful change in my life. That is, how to produce fruit of the Spirit which can be easily seen and available to others. That will be the conclusion of this article because first I must lead you through several essential prerequisites.

How fruitful is your life?

Penetrating question:  Fruit is mentioned in 488 verses in Scripture from Genesis 3 to Revelation 22. Obviously, there are many applications, but I will  limit my definition to Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

As believers, the Holy Spirit lives within His chosen vessels. Perhaps some of these qualities/virtues come naturally, but if you are like me, there are a few that do NOT come naturally. Patience is NOT my strong point and I have to rely on the fruit Holy Spirit to help me.

Let me give you a life example: Someone you love is giving you the same explanation that:

  1) You already know, and

  2) They have already explained it, not once but 2 other times!  

Now outwardly, I was calm, but inwardly my first thought was not patience. Fruit inspection:  “impatience” is not a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Self -talk: chill, my inner being is getting more training in patience.

Next question: How do you abide in Christ?

The pre- requisite to bearing fruit is to abide in Christ. Jesus is a great teacher and lays it out quite clearly.

John 15:8-10 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.  Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain [abide] in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. 

How well do you keep the commandments?

Next question? What is love?

I Cor. 13:4-7” Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

I recently spent a lot of time in airports. People are focused on their cell phones, iPads, or computers. Life is a hustle in airports, yet they and I abide in our devices. We send out texts, we answer texts, we phone, we check our email, we check our news sources. We may even play games. Whatever, we are focused on our cell phones. Rarely are there even casual conversations with others, the focus is staying online with our devices.

Cell phones must be recharged according to how much they are used. The same thing with our walk with the Holy Spirit. Quiet times, set aside only for God, are the only way to recharge our spirits and recharge our spiritual batteries. Just as cell phones can be recharged while we are sleeping, the Holy Spirit often gives revelation through our dreams.

Now it is time for the conclusion!

Simple things you can do that make fruit easily seen and available.

1. Set time, set place, and journal your daily call to Father.
   • Journaling is a conversation. God, what do You want to say to me?
   • God, you can call me anytime, anywhere, with any instructions. I will not put Him on hold; He can interrupt and join any conversation.  
   • Airplane mode is not an option when we abide in God.
   • The mute button is only on for people, never for Holy Spirit.

2. Flash cards are a great way to speak into our souls and spirits. I put on my flash cards verses that speak to me, encourage me, and tell me who I am (this is another way to recharge our batteries).
3. Share what God reveals to you. It is important to share with others what God has given you.  For example, in my journal:

First: “I whisper, Satan shouts”.

Then: When this was shared with another, the added insight was: “Resting in Him amplifies the whisper and diminishes the shouts.”

Finally: When we share, we cross pollinate because there is no fruit without pollination.

1.  Ask for a verse/verses to meditate on for the year and record your thoughts. God alone knows the depth of each verse and He is a very patient teacher.
2. Ask questions all day long. As I reread some of my journal entries, I was reminded that God kept reminding me that He is with me 24/7 and likes answering my questions.
3. If you speak in tongues, you can sing in the Spirit.  It is an automatic stimulant with great side effects.

Bearing fruit is a lifelong endeavor.

Fruit inspection is a lifelong endeavor.

The more time you spend with the Gardener the greater the fruit.

Best question: ask the Gardener, “In what areas of my heart do You want me to bring forth more fruit?

Please give us your thoughts on this article!

• Did you agree?  
• Did you disagree?
• Do you have something to add?
• Do you have a personal experience you would like to share?