Daily Devotional: Cultivating The Fruit of the Spirit

Introduction

In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul introduces the concept of the “Fruit of the Spirit,” outlining nine attributes that are the natural result of a life lived in close relationship with God.

These attributes—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—serve as a blueprint for Christian living.

Throughout the Bible, various passages reinforce and elaborate on these virtues, providing a solid foundation for understanding and practicing them in our daily lives. Let’s meditate on each of these attributes.

Love

The Bible is clear that love is central to the Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul beautifully describes the characteristics of love. Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of a dear friend from seminary who, despite being physically blind, exuded love and joy.

His life was a testament to the idea that true love transcends physical limitations. He saw people with the heart, and his genuine care for others left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

Scripture says that “God is love.” This is the very definition of who He is. The Bible is also clear that whoever doesn’t love doesn’t know God. This attribute is a theological necessity. Isn’t it reassuring to know that the most powerful being in the world is driven by unconditional love and grace?

Joy

The psalmist David often sang about the joy that comes from a relationship with God. Psalm 16:11 states, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy.” This joy is not dependent on circumstances but on a deep-seated confidence in God’s sovereignty.

I think of the man I used to evangelize with, who radiated joy while confidently proclaiming God’s faithfulness in the midst of the darkness found in the bars and streets of Indianapolis. He would never give up on people, and always had a way to pray through and make that connection.

When we show others the joy we have in Christ, it makes others curious. As the saying goes, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” You can argue with them all the logical reasons to believe in the existence of God, but if you are not expressing your joy and love for the Lord, then it’s just empty words.

Peace

Isaiah 26:3 assures us that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him. Patience, another fruit of the Spirit, is closely tied to peace.

In my own life, I’ve witnessed the power of patience in my wife’s steadfast love. Through the ups and downs of our 12-year marriage, her patience and enduring love have been a source of strength and comfort, embodying the peace that surpasses understanding.

She helps me overcome my anxiety and struggles by being patient with me. When one is patient and kind, willing to listen, they calm or pacify the soul. This leads to having a peaceful mind.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, perfectly emulates this attribute. He desires for every tribe, tongue, and nation to bow down and worship Him in harmony. Unfortunately, the world is divided by war, but there is coming a day when the Son of God will bring stability back to our world.

Kindness and Goodness

Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave us. Acts of kindness and goodness are tangible expressions of our faith.

I recall the countless times my wife has shown kindness not only to me but to others, demonstrating the transformative power of simple acts of goodness in our daily interactions. This reflects the goodness of our Creator and Sustainer–Jesus Christ.

I have seen my own children be kind-hearted to others. One day, when we were driving home from a soccer game, Sean told me that we should pack some food and give to the homeless person in need.