But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

 As I read today’s verses, I gleaned something new. This scripture identifies the fruits of the Holy Spirit, not our fruits. For years I’ve struggled to meet these qualities on my own efforts, with many failures and carried a sense of heavy guilt for not meeting these expectations. The fleshly side of me makes it almost impossible to possess all of these qualities. But there’s a second part of this scripture.

 No one is able to live out these qualities by their own efforts. It’s when we totally surrender our lives to Jesus Christ and allow His ways to take over our life, that the Spirit transforms our life into the image of Jesus Christ. As we live a life of obedience and surrender, these qualities begin to surface more easily and frequently. In the process, our life begins to truly reflect Christ outward, which others see, and long to possess these qualities themselves.

 Of these characteristics, which ones do you lack? Draw close to God through prayer, scripture reading, and making Godly choices, and see those hard-to-reach qualities begin to take hold of your life. God’s ultimate goal for His children is to reflect the image of Christ to those living in darkness. Only through your desire to possess these spiritual qualities and obedient life will transformation of your soul, and the souls around you, begin to change your corner of this world into one that is holy and pure and likeness of Jesus Christ. God bless!