By Their Fruits You Will Recognize Them

By Adele M. Gill

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“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

Matthew 7:20

Have you ever met someone new, and you feel right away that they seem like kindred spirits? Perhaps it’s what they say, or their gentle manner. Maybe it’s the kindness in their eyes, or their helpful actions that catch your attention.  They may seem all too familiar to you, even though you have never met them before. None the less, there is something different about them that you can relate to. You are drawn to them in a way that is difficult, even impossible, to explain. But there may be a reason for it…

What are the Fruits of the Spirit?

When you invite the Holy Spirit into your heart and mind, he will come and reside within you, and you will receive the Fruit of the [Holy] Spirit. When that happens, you are changed from the inside out for the good, in all the best ways. When you begin to turn toward God, you are a changed person as you strive to love God and others more fully; and begin to believe in, and trust in, Jesus. You will naturally take baby steps towards becoming more loving, a little kinder, more joy-filled, peaceful, and gentle; more patient, faith-filled and self-controlled. It’s all part of the tremendous, blessed gift that God has prepared for those who love Him. Many soon find that they no longer try to do the right thing just because they are obligated to do so. It is not possible to earn our way to Heaven. It is a gift freely given through God’s grace—undeserved merit. They begin doing the right thing because they want to serve God through others. It is at that point that they  become a new creation! For Scripture tells us:

 ^“…The fruit of the [Holy]Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

How Do We Receive the Fruit of the Spirit?

When we become believing Christians, we receive the Holy Spirit as we seek out and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This generally occurs through baptism, or when one experiences what some call being “born again” or “saved.” It is a very personal decision—and it is life-changing.

^“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Romans 10:9-10

Your New Life

It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we become a new creation in Jesus Christ. Not having the Fruit of the Holy Spirit within you is like the difference between having a branch on a vine, or broken off of, detached from the vine. Apart from the vine, the branch can bear no fruit if broken off of the vine. Or the difference between a light being unplugged and plugged-in. When unplugged, there is no light. When plugged-in, the light fills the whole room. And so it goes, when the Holy Spirit brings the Light and Love of Jesus into your heart and mind, your life is never the same. You become more apt to reach out to others. More apt to sing God’s praises boldly, with fervor. More apt to lead souls to Jesus. And soon you become a light for those around you, leading them to Christ through word and deed.

Perhaps God created us to have the Holy Spirit of Jesus to help bond His people via this unusual familiarity with family, friends, strangers and acquaintances. Maybe it serves to help us work together with other believers on God’s behalf, to serve His purposes to bring light to believers and non-believers alike—especially those in need of abundant supply, healing and comfort, and those living in darkness.

Could it be that it’s time for you to invite the Holy Spirit of Jesus into your life and do the same for others whom you are praying for? What greater prayer could you pray for yourself than “Come Holy Spirit of Jesus, come?” What greater gift could you possibly give yourself and others than to receive, and share, the Holy Spirit with them?

© Copyright 2021   |   Adele M. Gill

~ About the Author ~

Adele M. Gill is a certified Chaplain, and a graduate of the St. James College Seminary. She is a recipient of the 2021 Firebird Book Award for her new life-changing self-help book, ‘How to Go from Broken to Blest.’ This AWARD WINNING BOOK will lift up anyone who is weary, struggling and in need of hope. https://amzn.to/2ZWsiCb