The Fruit of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit (the work which His presence within accomplishes) is love, joy, (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence).  Against such things there is no law (that can bring a charge)."  - Gal. 5:22-23, Amp. Bible

            Buried within those two verses is the one fruit that gives birth to all the others.  I know what you're thinking:  "I've got it-it's love."  Wrong!  It's gentleness, or as the Amplified Bible defines it, humility. 

What is humility?  Well, the opposite of humility is PRIDE, and most of us are eaten up with it!  We're proud of our knowledge, our skills, our possessions, our position, our accomplishments, our accolades, our abilities, our appearance, our family, our finances, our superiority, our stuff, and the list goes on.  And on. And on.  As Christians we're even proud of our "impeccable record" (no big sins in my life), our service to God (let me tell you how many people I led to the Lord this week), our programs, and our passions.

            How can the Holy Spirit produce any other fruit in our lives, until He first brings us to the point of acknowledging what and who we are before Almighty God-nothing and no-one?  How can I love others when I am so fixated on self?  Joy comes not from self-gratification but from gratifying others. Peace is not thinking I have no sin, but knowing that my sins are forgiven.  Patience is bearing with a weaker brother or sister, remembering that I've been where they are.  Kindness and goodness flow form a heart that is humbled by thankfulness for what God has done for me.  Faithfulness is forgetting the cost and pressing on, ever mindful that Jesus was faithful to death, even the death of the cross-for me.  Gentleness is human frailty (born of complete surrender) before God, and Godly strength (bolstered by Divine love) before men.  Self-control is letting go of the power I hold over people and situations and letting God's power rule my attitudes, words, and actions.  My "empty hands" will be the symbol of my obedience to God.

            Do you long for the fruit of the Spirit to be produced in your life?  "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time."   - 1 Peter 5:5-6

            When our lives are fruitful, our prayers will be fruitful.