In Bible times, a good harvest meant being able to live through the coming winter. In much of the world, that is still true.
There is another crop discussed in the Bible: the Fruit of the Spirit, cultivated in God’s people.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 New Living Translation
These verses are familiar to most Christians. But I always thought that I was supposed to strive to display these nine characteristics. I was mistaken.
First, trees don’t “strive” to produce fruit – it happens naturally.
Second, fruit doesn’t appear overnight – it is a process.
Third, fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit, not me. He is the one who prepares the soil, sows the seed, pulls the weeds, and tends the plant to produce a bumper crop.
My part is, first, to stop striving; striving only leads to frustration, failure – and guilt.
For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants. Philippians 2:13 Living Bible
Second, I must let Him work.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
Finally, I need to focus on the generous Source Who shares Himself with His children instead of on myself.
But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy [gentleness],
slow to get angry [patience] and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 NLT
Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10b NLT
How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! Psalm 116:5 NLT
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NLT
But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.
They flourish in the courts of our God.
Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital and green. Psalm 92:12-14 NLT