Fruitful or Fruitless

“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)

When we first receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we are blessed with His Holy Spirit within us and the Fruit of His Spirit. But as said in the Book of Genesis when God gave man dominion over the earth, He was given us free will. He did this so we would freely love Him and it was always meant that we spread Him, His nature, character, and love. Eternity is forever, life on earth is not and you cannot have all the evil that is in the earth due to the fall of Satan in eternity. Satan tempts mankind and that temptation moves some to use their free will in ways that hurt and destroy others.

God is a God of purpose and His purpose His to spread His love, and His character to the lost of the world so they would receive Jesus and be saved. God wants us, His children to be with us in eternity and not the evil in the world.

We are to love and forgive and show mercy and compassion as He shows us.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Fruit of the Spirit Fruit of the Enemy & Flesh

Love	Hateful
Joy	Sad, depressed, hopeless, angry
Peace	Restless, anxious
Patience	Impatient
Kindness	Rude
Goodness	Mean
Self-control	No control, given to addiction
Self-less, generous	Selfish, self-seeking, stingy
Compassionate	​Heartless, indifferent, do not care about anyone
Humble	Prideful
Forgiving	Unforgiving, resentful, bitter

We are to allow the Fruit of the Spirit to shine through by the power of the Holy Spirit within us; are you? The above tables show the Fruit of the Spirit and other characteristics of God. Which side do you fit in? The Bible tells us to examine ourselves.

“But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way.”

(I Corinthians 11:31)

If you have one or more of the fruit of the flesh side, then ask yourself, why? Why am I this way and where is it coming from? Is it rooted in something deeper from past wounds or something else?

There is a remedy, be honest, repent if needed, and go to God for help.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)