Through the work of the Holy Spirit within us, as believers, we possess the fruit of the Spirit of God – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Of course, we see some of these qualities in the lives of those who are not yet believers. We’ve watched very good people who don’t know Jesus get behind causes that show care and concern for others. The difference in the fruit of the Spirit is that it will exhibit itself in supernatural ways. For example, we will know that we are being led by the Spirit when, in our flesh, we would not normally feel compelled to extend love or patience to someone we deem undeserving. Or internally, we may be feeling a hard no to being generous to someone and yet be prompted to offer them our time, talents, or finances. Empowered by the Spirit, we will display self-control in situations where perhaps we used to succumb to anger, lust, or greed, for example. We will feel His peace in times that used to make us feel anxious. His presence overcomes our fears.
Walking in step with the Holy Spirit is an adventurous way to live. We never know quite what He has in store for us each day. Let’s invite the Spirit into our circumstances each day and watch what God does! The fruit of the Spirit always brings glory to His name!