On Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit

Summary of Christopher Wright’s book, titled, “Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.”

The fruit of the Spirit is neither earned through deeds alone nor grown entirely by itself. We need to cultivate it. Let’s first understand what the fruit is (Galatians 5:22-25).
 
The fruit starts with love, which is God’s primary essence. Love God and others regardless of differences, just as God loves the world.
 
Joy isn’t the constantly-wearing-a-smile-type happiness. We can be in pain and depressed but still have it. Joy arises from trusting God’s sovereignty and goodness, and His ultimate healing and restoration. We have joy from God being with us, and from all He has given us.
 
Peace transcends all understanding in this schizophrenic and stressful world. Peace isn’t apathy, but it strives to avoid needless conflict. And it anchors in the promise that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 8:28, Romans 14-15).  
 
God’s patience, kindness, and faithfulness are extolled throughout the Old Testament. However, God is also just and holy. When the Israelites kept rebelling, punishment became necessary. But the fruit doesn’t include judgment because only God can exercise fully righteous and holy judgment. We won’t become Christ in every sense.
 
Goodness implies integrity and doing what’s right, including the good work God has prepared for us. This is at least because we are saved by grace, and we should serve God. Serving Him includes sharing His words. Such sharing and caring go together.
 
Gentleness is from recognizing you are blessed by God’s grace. Never boast. But balance gentleness and righteous anger against what’s wrong, including against things totally disruptive to how life should work. Yet never feel morally superior. We are all sinners.
 
Self-control isn’t encouraged in this culture, but we let our impulses dictate our choices. Because of our sinful nature, we need the discipline to not do, say, or think certain things. Yet we aren’t killjoy. Self-control helps produce the above attributes, which include joy.
 
The fruit of the Spirit is God’s work in us. However, we need to cooperate with the Spirit. So, regularly examine your life and question yourself; stand up where you fail; and read the bible, pray, worship, and have fellowship with other Christians. Then you will bear the fruit of the Spirit.
 
Summary of Christopher Wright’s book, titled, “Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc71NfiVYUk
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