Sunday Drive - Producing Fruit

The verse I chose for memory this month has really got me thinking...

"The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives..." 

This isn't something we can just snap our fingers and it will be fulling flourishing and fulling functioning in our lives. 'Producing' takes time.

When a tree produces fruit, it's a long process. The leaves form, then a small bud forms, then it takes even more time for the fruit to develop until it's ripe.

So, this 'fruit' that the Holy Spirit is producing in us can take time as well. And some fruit may take longer to produce than others.

I am curious why Paul the Apostle chose the word 'fruit'. I'm guessing here, but fruit usually looks appealing, smells good and tastes amazing! These 'fruits' in our life should make our character look the same. When these fruits are active in our lives we are appealing to others, our presence just smells good and when people interact with us our words taste amazing.

Hmmm.... I can tell you, all of my fruit isn't quite ripe yet. Have you ever tried a piece of fruit that isn't quite ready to eat? It's kinda tart and isn't that soft and yummy.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you find yourself in that same place. Remember, it takes time for fruit to mature. But that also doesn't give us the excuse not to work at the maturing process. The Holy Spirit shows us and reminds us where we need to be more loving, or to have more joy. Where to be at peace and when to have patience. Who you need to be kind to and when to be good and faithful. Gentleness in our words and self control when we want our way. 

John 14:26 (NLT)
26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

So, we do have a part to play in the maturing process. The Holy Spirit will do what He needs to do, but we need to cooperate at the same time. 

I've been working on some of my fruit for over 30 years... and it's still not all ripe! It's a journey. It's a long process. God's not done working on me, or any of us. I'm not there yet, but I'm not where I was either!

Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Blessings,
Lori