🍒 THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT (2) 🍒

[The moral impact of the Holy Spirit in us]

A tree is known by the fruits it produces. Whatever we receive into our lives produces fruits. Whether it is people, knowledge and so on, it produces something. We saw in the last edition of this study that the absence of the Holy Spirit in us birthe the manifestation of the fruits of the flesh: envy, idolatry, immorality and all forms of uncleanliness. (See Gal. 5:19)

But when we receive the Holy Spirit, He grows, dominates and bears fruits in us. Yes, the impact of His fruits in us is the change in our thoughts, manners and approaches to issues and life generally.

According to Galatians 5:22-24, there are 9 fruits of the Spirit. We are going to discuss 3 in this edition: Love, Joy, Peace.

Love

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone that love is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not, knows not God, for God is love." (1John 4:7-8)

Love is said to be one of the most powerful forces on earth. Love is divine, love is noble, to exhibit it is honourable.

Love is a Spirit, powered by the Holy Spirit. The love we are talking about is pure love, undefiled. Love cannot be faked. If it is not love, then it is deception.

Love grows in the heart and manifest as compassion, kindness, remorse, solitude, and affection. When these are produced, then the bearer is moved to express it in words and action.

Love forgives, love listens. Love is compassionate, love is patient. As a child of God, love is in your heart. He always speaks. Listen to love, walk in love, act in love.

The Holy Spirit regularly replenishes our love. Manifest love. Love takes away bitterness, anger and lust. Embrace the love of God today. Jesus is Love. (Also read Heb 13:1, 1 Corinthians 13, John 13:9, 1Tim 1:13-18)

Joy

This is another fruit, manifestations and evidence of the Holy Spirit. Joy is a spirit, powered by the Holy Spirit. Joy is a language. Joy is more than just a feeling. It is an atmosphere, a cloud over you. It is like a deep ocean that swallows every sort of creatures. Joy swallows your fears and internal doubt. Joy sustains your sanity. Joy strengthens. Joy is the aura of victory that overwhelms you when you have confidence in God.

Joy is the evidence that your testimonies are sure. Isaiah 12:3 says "With Joy shall you draw from the well of salvation." Joy consoles. Joy is renewed in God's presence. (Psalm 16:10-11)

Joy does not deceive because it comes from the spirit. Joy keeps you healthy even in the face of lack, insufficiencies and troubles. Embrace the joy of the Lord and keep wading through the storm. Also read: Hebrews 12:2, Romans 15:13, Isaiah 49:13.

Peace

The Holy Spirit in us also supplies us with God's divine peace. Peace is the state or condition of calm and tranquility. That's the literary definition, however. Spiritually, peace means more. It is the state of being resolute, contended and at rest over what God said, as against what is happening or not. The source of this kind of peace is Jesus.

He said, 'My peace, I give to you, not the one that the world gives.' (John 14:27) His own peace is perfect. His peace is the one supplied and replenished by the Holy Spirit. Peace offers you the platform for smooth sailing in life. If you lack peace, you will lack progress and stability.

This peace manifest within you, and in your attitude with people. Embrace the peace of God and be at peace continually. Also read: Romans 5:1, Psalms 34:14, Mark 9:50, 1Timothy 2:1,2, 1Thessalonians 5:13, 1Peter 2:21, Hebrews 12:14

Grow in Love, Joy and Peace

Fruits take time to show upon a tree. So, stay in God continually to access the fullness of these spiritual fruits. Ask God to grow you in love, joy, and peace.

Stay plugged into God always, and these fruits will grow. They will identify and distinguish you for greatness and honour. God bless you. Stay tuned for the next edition. Read similar article: Peace: a Core Requirement on Goodlife Writes.

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