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Living Fruitfully

To kick off the Love Encompassing blog for 2025, this is the beginning of a year-long series about the fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

The fruit of the Spirit is a topic that was prevalent early on in my journey with Christ and something I cling to for accountability and guidance. In this series we will begin with introductory thoughts and ideas and then move to a monthly focus on each of the spiritual fruits. I hope it will be a blessing to you and help you grow fruit in your life this year.

Fruit often has a peel or skin layer, a juicy meaty layer, a pit or collection of seeds and is attached by some sort of stem to the plant or tree. I am by no means an expert of botany, but I would like to compare each of these components to our faith walk in the best way I can.

The stem is the life source. It gives the fruit support and is a channel of necessary nutrients. If you pick a fruit off its stem, it won’t wither up and die right away, but it will begin the process of decay. God is our life source and a connection with Him is life eternal. He carries our burdens in tough times and pours blessings into our lives.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

The peel or skin of a fruit is usually protective. It serves to prevent little insects from indulging in its goodness. The insects don’t have a purpose for the fruit to reproduce, whereas larger species will eat the whole fruit and at the end of digestion, a new seed could be planted. The skin also helps to keep moisture in, creating the juicy deliciousness we seek out. This protection reminds me of the armour of the Lord. Keeping scripture deep in our hearts protects us from believing lies and gives us Truth to speak and know in challenging moments. Living in a Godly manner, seeking peace and righteousness, is a protective and upright way of standing.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11

The fruit portion is the goodness created by an intricate design and system. It develops and sweetens over time and under certain conditions. Our lives bear fruit when we allow God to work in our hearts and in our homes. There could be immediate evidence of this commitment, but the fruits grow and get sweeter throughout the journey.

You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16-20

The seed is what continues life beyond one fruit or one tree. It’s the purpose of the entire plant and in our lives, it’s no different.

When we seek to stay connected to the Lord, we maintain a flow of life into us. When we strive to know God and wear His armour, we don’t need to wrestle with evil by ourselves. Our hearts become transformed, and this transformation is evident in our lives. The transformation becomes a testimony, and that testimony touches the hearts of others and may contribute to their own journey. This is what happens when we share our fruit with others.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

Blessings,

Meagan | Love Encompassing