But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
I once heard someone say, “you don’t know what’s on the inside of a person until you put the squeeze on them.” Is anyone feeling the squeeze lately? Are you feeling pressure? Is your faith being tested? I can personally say “YES” to each question!
Truthfully that’s life! The good, the bad, the planned, the unexpected will come knocking at our door at some point. When they do, we need to stop and consider the season that we are in and the fruit that is being produced in our lives. This fruit directly lends itself to our growth as Believers and over time it will strengthen our character. Key words: OVER TIME.
So when we ask for more patience, more peace, self control, or take your pick from the fruit listed in our anchor scripture, prepare yourself for a little Character Education. A waiting period will produce patience. A trial will produce peace. Sacrifice will produce love. A need will produce kindness and goodness which we will learn to lavish on others. A humbling experience will produce self-control and the fruit of faithfulness is an act of obedience rooted in gratitude to God for the faithfulness that He models daily.
We can be encouraged when we are feeling the squeeze from life’s test and trials (James 1:3). God’s purpose and plan for our lives involves growing us up, building our faith, and cultivating strong character in us. We want to bear good fruit and we can only do so when we stay connected to him (John 15:1-2).