A Note from the Pastor

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Fruit:  “edible pulp surrounding the seed(s) of many plants.” “The process by which a tree reproduces by means of seeds carried in fruit to be part of God’s plan at creation.” (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 2003

There are many kinds of fruit mentioned in the Bible, including:  grapes, figs, olives, pomegranates, apricots, quince and apples.  The continuing fruitfulness of Israel’s trees was dependent on faithfulness to the covenant.  (Deut. 28:4,11,18)  And the first fruit to ripen was to be given to God as a sacrifice.  (Exod. 23:16; Heh. 10:35)

Today, many people consider fruit, as mentioned in the Bible, often is correlated with results.  For instance, the fruit of the Spirit is the result of the Spirit’s workings in the lives of believers.  (Gal. 5:22-23)  Jesus said that false prophets could be identified by the fruit they produced, that is, by the qualities manifested in their lives.  (Matt. 7:15-20)

My challenge to you today is to reproduce yourself.  Take the seeds of patience, love, peace, long-suffering, joy and kindness and give them to someone.  How do you plant the seeds of the fruit of the Spirit?  You do so by giving away the fruit.  Reproduce!

Something to Think About….

Pastor Roger