Fruit of the Holy Spirit: an introduction

Admin
Aug 15
5 min read

Updated: Sep 18

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Ah, summer. It’s my favorite season of the year. Some complain that it’s too hot. Others complain that it’s too short or too long. For me, it’s the time of the year that I get to be outside to work in my garden, mow my yard, tend my fruit trees, and dream of a bountiful harvest in the fall. In my mind, there’s not a lot to recommend fall, but it is the time of year that I get to enjoy the fruit of my summer labor.

Speaking of Fruit…

Did you know that there are an estimated 2,000-plus different kinds of fruits on earth, not to mention the thousands of different varieties there are within each of those types of fruit available to us throughout the year? Each type and variety is unique in its taste and appearance. Each of us has certain fruits that are our favorites and others that hold no interest to us at all. For example, I have no idea what kumquats are, but I am certain that they are not my favorite. I’m sure you understand, as you have favorites of your own.

I live on a hobby farm in the middle of my town, and I have several fruit trees scattered across my one-acre spread. Over the years, I have gained knowledge and experience in the process of growing fruit. For instance, while I am walking around my property and inspecting my trees and vines, I have never witnessed a single one of those plants stressing or worrying about producing fruit. I’m the only one concerned about such things, and it’s my responsibility to make sure conditions are just right so they can produce as much fruit as possible.

What Do We Know About Fruit?

Fruit-bearing is a naturally occurring process and is the intended purpose of the tree or vine. Farmers plant fruit trees with the express intention of harvesting fruit at the end of the season. It is the nature of a fruit tree or vine to produce fruit, and it does so without any anxiety, fretting, complaint, or struggle. We also know that every kind of fruit has its own unique flavor and characteristics.

Process

Every piece of fruit always begins with a seed – a seed which holds the promise of new life. Once planted, that seed germinates after a given amount of time and starts sending a root deep into the earth. Eventually, a stem emerges above ground and continues to grow. A typical fruit-bearing tree requires time, however, before it can begin producing fruit, and a tree or vine must be tended along the way if it is going to reach maturation. Sometime later, blossoms appear in the springtime, which is the indicator that the tree is old enough to produce fruit. Another important step in this process is pollination. This is where the pollen from one blossom is carried to another. Without this “sharing”, no fruit would be produced.

Growth

After the pollination process is complete, a small, unrecognizable growth appears at the base of the blossom. At this point, it is hard to imagine that this tiny orb could become the fruit we are eagerly waiting for. Fruit takes time to mature. On average, peaches require between three and five months to mature enough to harvest. Apples require about six to seven months, and oranges can take over a year to fully ripen. During this period of growth and development, the fruit needs lots of sun and lots of rain if it is going to become the object of our desire. Fruit must endure hardship to become the best it can be. It is the hottest days of summer to bring the fruit to its sweetest, its largest, and its point of perfection.

Harvest

Perhaps the most important thing to note here is that no fruit tree ever consumes its own fruit. Fruit is always produced for others to eat and enjoy. Another thing to be reminded of is that not every blossom will produce mature fruit. This is a sad truth. Oftentimes, after the blossoms set and bloom, a late frost may occur, which kills the blossom and prevents fruiting. Other times, there may be a lack of rain or warm weather, which stunts the fruit's growth and limits the potential harvest. When it is time to harvest, special care should be taken to minimize damage and preserve freshness for as long as possible, although some loss is not uncommon during this process.

The Fruit of the Spirit

So, what does that have to do with what we call “The Fruit of the Holy Spirit?” Only everything. In this passage, Jesus is using the term “fruit” as a metaphor for the character of Christ. This “fruit” that Jesus refers to should be produced just as naturally and effortlessly in a believer's life. It should occur naturally in our lives with no special effort being exerted on our part.

This fruit is the final result of a multi-step process: seed, stem, bud, blossom, pollination, growth, and harvest. All of this takes time, so be patient. It takes time to produce fruit. Orange trees blossom in February, but the fruit isn’t really good until the following March or April. There is always a period of immature fruit. Oranges are little and green before they are big and orange. Sometimes the fruit we are meant to produce appears exactly the same. We may need just a little more time before we are ready for harvest.

When a tree is old enough to produce fruit, the expectation is that it should. If it doesn’t, the owner will usually take drastic measures to encourage it: loosen the soil around the roots, prune away unproductive limbs, and fertilize it. (Luke 13:6-9) As we would like it to be, we understand this fruit-bearing process is not always as simple or easy . It is Father’s will and intent that we produce much fruit (John 15:8), and he will do whatever is necessary to make that happen. But that is his to worry about.

Next, a tree is known by its fruit (Mt. 7:15-20). An apple tree produces apples, a peach tree produces peaches, and a grapevine produces grapes. We understand this. So, what should a Christian produce? The Fruit of the Holy Spirit. This is the character of Christ. When people see us, speak with us, or work with us, they should be able to “pick our fruit,” which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Remember, this fruit is being produced so that others can enjoy it. No fruit tree ever benefits from its own fruit. The fruit always goes to satisfy the hunger of others.

Finally, fruit is simply God’s means of reproduction. Inside each piece of fruit is the seed necessary to produce another plant of the same kind. The seeds of the Fruit of the Spirit are planted in us to grow and become ripe as a means to lead others to hunger and thirst after righteousness. If those around see our fruit, and if it is truly spiritual fruit, they will want some for themselves. (John 15:1-17)

Naturally fruit-bearing is a process, and the same principle is true of spiritual fruit. It takes time for fruit to develop, and it requires effort on the part of the vine dresser to make sure it does. The tree or vine doesn’t fret or worry throughout the process. And fruit begets life. That is its purpose. That is our purpose as well. Your fruit will grow. Let it happen.

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®