Journeying in Genesis: The Holy Spirit is the Gift of Breathtaking Fruit

We previously witnessed God creating plants bearing fruit and seed. This gives us a picture of our being planted where we are to provide seed and fruit for those around us. We sow seeds of truth, and the Lord knows whether the soil of a heart is fertile to receive it. Then, by abiding in Christ, we bear God glorifying fruit that provides spiritual nourishment and encouragement for those around us.

Galatians 5 gives us a great contrast. It lists works of the flesh (which are often approved and applauded in the world): sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy drunkenness, and orgies. All may provide temporary pleasure, but result in death and turmoil, not life and peace. In fact Jeremiah 6:14 reminds us that the world will say “Peace, peace!” when there is no peace. Jesus gives us hope when He says in John 14:27,

“Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give to you.

Let not your hearts be troubled,

neither let them be afraid.”

Don’t go to the world for what we can only find in Christ. But offer to the world what is only found in Him. The world does not need more of its own fruit and neither do we.

Galatians 5 goes on to list the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Who doesn’t want to experience and provide that! It makes me so grateful for the wonder of Luke 11:13,

“If you then, who are evil,

know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will the heavenly Father

give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”