January 26: Fruits of the Spirit

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Fruits of the Spirit

Author: Nickela Davy

Theme: Cultivating love, joy, peace, patience, and more in your life.

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

My mom and I planted a little mango tree in our backyard one summer. I was so excited because I imagined it was full of sweet, juicy mangoes. But as weeks turned into months, the tree barely grew. It just stood there, looking small and weak.

Mom explained to me that the tree needed more than just soil and sunlight. It needed watering, pruning, and patience. Over time, we cared for that tree together, pulling weeds, adding fertilizer, and waiting. It didn’t bear fruit that year or the next, but it slowly grew stronger.

In many ways, the Fruits of the Spirit are like that mango tree. God plants His Spirit in our hearts, but the “fruits” like love, joy, peace, and patience don’t appear overnight. They need nurturing. I’ve noticed this in my own life. For example, I can be impatient. I don’t like waiting for things—whether it’s Wi-Fi to load, my favorite show to come back on, or even people to understand my point of view. But every time I feel impatient, I’ve learned to ask God for help, and He’s teaching me to slow down and trust His timing.

Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Staying connected to Jesus is the key to growing these fruits in our lives. When I start my day with prayer or spend time reading the Bible, it’s like watering my spiritual tree. I feel more patient, more kind, and less frustrated.

One of my favorite examples of love and patience is how Jesus treated people who weren’t easy to love. Think about how He healed the sick, forgave sinners, and even prayed for those who nailed Him to the cross. That’s the kind of love and patience I want to show, but I know I can’t do it alone. I need the Holy Spirit to work in me.

Here’s the cool part: When the Fruits of the Spirit grow in us, they bless our lives and the people around us. Just like a healthy mango tree feeds others, our lives can be a source of love, joy, and peace for our family, friends, and even strangers.

So, how’s your tree doing? Is there a fruit—maybe kindness or self-control—that you’d like to grow more of? Don’t be discouraged if it’s not perfect yet. Remember that growth takes time and care. Ask God to help you cultivate His Spirit in your life, and trust that He’s working on you daily.


Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for planting Your Spirit in our hearts. Please help us to grow the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and all the others. Teach us to stay connected to You so we can reflect Your character in everything we do. Thank You for being patient with us as we grow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Photographer: Shaqueena Shanuel Danvers



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