Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Today, on our nineteenth day of prayer and fasting, we will reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit, described in the book of Galatians by Apostle Paul. The Fruit of the Spirit refers to a set of unique qualities that God has given us, which serve as a guide to help us live a life that pleases Him. Unlike regular fruit that goes bad over time, these spiritual fruits never spoil and become stronger as our faith grows.
Love is essential, and it is a selfless kind of love that Jesus showed us. During your prayer time, ask God to fill you with this love so that you can share it with others. This love is full of care and sacrifice and is the most important fruit.
Joy with God is more than just being happy for a little while.
When we feel joy with God, it’s more than temporary happiness. It’s a deep sense of happiness. This joy stays with us no matter what’s happening around us. Look for this joy when you spent quiet time with God.
Peace from God helps us stay calm even when things are hard. This peace is so special that it’s hard to understand, but it makes us thankful because we know God is looking after us. Ask for this peace in your prayers.
Patience is important but not always easy. Remember, when you are waiting for something from God, He is using this time to teach you to trust His plan.
Kindness and Goodness show God’s care for us. Try to be kind and good in what you say and do every day, not just in big ways but in small ways.
Faithfulness means being loyal and keeping your promises, just like God always keeps His promises to us. Use this time to think about being faithful in all things, big and small.
Gentleness is being firm but also careful and understanding with others. Ask God to help you treat people gently.
Self-control is about managing what we want and what we do. It’s important in how we live as Christians. Pray for God’s help to have more self-control, especially while you fast.
Let’s try to live with these fruits every day. They are not just things to think about but ways to live and share God’s love with everyone.
A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today with a heart full of gratitude, reflecting on the Fruit of the Spirit You have nurtured in my life. I thank You for Your love, a guiding force that teaches me to love others unconditionally. Even in tough times, You bring me great happiness that never fades.
In every step, Your Spirit guides me, and for this, my heart sings with gratitude. I pray that my life will continue to be a reflection of these fruits, a testament to Your work in me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
CLOSING THOUGHT:
As we near the end of our 21 days of prayer and fasting, let's commit to embracing and nurturing the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. These qualities are not just for our personal growth but are also tools for ministry, to show the love and character of Christ to the world.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES FOR REFLECTION:
Galatians 5:22-26 (NLT) 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Remember, the growth of this fruit is a lifelong journey. It takes time, patience, and dependence on God.