Have you ever observed the process of a tree producing fruit? In most circumstances it takes quite a long time. From planting, watering, growing to maturity, pruning, pollination, fertilization, flowering and finally FRUIT! It seems like a miracle when you finally take that first delicious bite.
I’ve often wondered why so many times the Bible uses trees and fruit as an illustration of our faith journey. Across cultures and time, we see fruit used as a symbol of health and abundance. A bountiful harvest often indicates prosperity. So maybe it’s no coincidence that God chose fruit to show how the Holy Spirit shows up in the lives of believers.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things." Galatians 5:22
Notice how this passage says fruit (singular), not fruits (plural). When we follow Jesus, He produces this fruit. We don’t cherry pick (hahahaha) which fruits we want to display or live out; they all work together to become one whole entity—THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.
Notice, it’s not the Fruit of Olivia and all her hard work. It’s the Spirit. It is letting Him take the lead and bring about the harvest. It’s so freeing to know the miracle of producing fruit isn't on my shoulders. It’s by spending time with God and letting the Holy Spirit work in my heart that the Fruit of the Spirit shows up. God freely offers me abundance, prosperity, and all good things if only I choose to accept them!
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 ESV