“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit is an evangelistic tool, a way of spreading the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ told His disciples that He must go so that the Spirit could come to them. And the fruit of the Spirit was given to them.
They were also told to go to all nations (ethnos), meaning people groups. They were to go to the people around them and beyond, from all races, nationalities, and religions. They went in the power of the Holy Spirit, bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
What they had in the fruit of the Spirit was not just for them to keep to themselves. It was a gift of God they could offer to those around them to “taste and see that the Lord is good…” (Psalm 34:8) Think of yourself walking through an orchard with ripe fruit hanging from the trees. The aroma beckons you to take one and eat it!
Can we imagine ourselves carrying the sweet smell of the fruit of the Spirit as we carry His presence? People are attracted to that heavenly scent, as were many in the book of Acts. What was given to them? Was it not love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Were not those that the early church evangelized given a taste of the goodness of God? And did they not see His goodness in those believers?
I am challenged in my life. Do I give off the sweet scent of the Spirit of God? Are my words and actions an invitation to “Taste and see that He is good”?
By: Susan Kewin
~ Christ Fellowship