Fruit not the Root / Galatians 5:22-23

Today’s verse is famously known as the fruit of the Spirit. Here is the full reading of this passage: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things” (NLT)! I learned a powerful lesson about this years ago. I mistakenly thought that those virtues are the root of Christianity. That isn’t the case. They are foundational, yes, but not the root. These virtues are the fruit! In other words this is the produce God produces in your life as you draw closer to Him, staying connected to His will, and living according to His way. Have you thought about these things as the root of your faith and then worried you’ve missed something? Don’t fret! Draw closer to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8a). Focus on the things that fertilize your faith and watch the fruit grow. That fruit will signify to the world who you are and to Whom you belong. After all, Jesus said that His followers are recognized by their fruit (Matthew 7:20). So, what kind of fruit are you producing? Are you revealing your life in the Lord?