The Fruit of the Spirit

by Macy Johnson

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”

(Matthew 7:18 NIV)

What does a “fruit inspector” do? 

I googled to learn Agricultural Commodities Inspectors are trained to ensure only the best produce is delivered to the consumer. In order to protect the public from tainted crops they collect samples for testing, verify the sanitation of production facilities, weigh, grade, seal and label products.

We are called by God to be His fruit inspectors. His Spirit trains us to discern the good fruit from the bad, helping us to avoid that which cannot satisfy our needs.

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

(Psalm 1:3 NIV)

Like trees in the Garden of Eden, we live in our Father’s kingdom producing spiritual fruit at the right time for His glory. We do well to ask ourselves, “What quality of fruit am I producing today? Would it pass a godly inspector’s test?”

I woke up one morning with the song, “They’ll know we are Christians by our Love,” rolling around in my head. God likes to gently remind me of important things when my mind is fresh: Love is the most valuable fruit of the Spirit!

-      Allow the Spirit to cultivate your fruit.

-      Seize opportunities to nourish others.

-      Connect with others in worship and feast on the varieties of spiritual fruit.

-      Look beneath the surface of those around you and discern what is good or bad, what is full of love and what is not.

I will stay attached to the vine today and produce pure, holy, sweet, nourishing fruit! I hope you will, too!