Pastor's Corner: Cultivating faith through the fruits of the Spirit

The fruits of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5, are the qualities that show we are growing closer to God. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Just like fruits make a tree beautiful and healthy, these qualities make us better and help us spread happiness and love to others.

In Galatians 5:22-26, the Apostle Paul speaks about these fruits of the Spirit. These virtues are not just characteristics to aspire to; they are evidence of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. Let us explore how cultivating these fruits can help us grow in faith and become more Christlike.

Love is the foundation of our faith in Christ. As we allow His love to flow through us, our faith deepens. Love leads us to forgive, reconcile, and embrace others, breaking down barriers and building meaningful connections that foster faith growth.

The world that we live in seems to define love as something that we can fall in and out of. It’s like an emotion or a feeling, as the old rock song goes.

But the Bible talks about love in a far different way. Love is something we choose to do based on Jesus Christ's love for us. We can only love because he first loved us. Our faith can grow as we choose to love the Lord and love others around us.

Pastor's Corner: Of lost valuables

The joy of knowing Jesus and the peace He brings is essential in our faith journey. The more we focus on His presence and promises, the more our faith flourishes. In moments of uncertainty, joy reminds us of God's faithfulness, while peace guards our hearts and minds.

Two more areas that will grow our faith are patience and kindness, which are vital in growing our faith. Patience helps us endure trials that we know will come. God does not promise His followers a pain-free or easy life. In fact, He never promises to take away our pain or suffering. But, He does promise that He will be with us during the storms of life.

Even the 23rd Psalm shows that when David writes, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

God is the God who dwells with his people. And the fruit of kindness allows us to be a light to those around us. By displaying these traits, we reflect Christ's character and draw others closer to Him.

The last four fruits are some important in our sanctification. Living a life of goodness and faithfulness exemplifies a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Our actions align with our beliefs, and others can see the transformation in us, strengthening their faith as well. Gentleness and self-control complete the fruits of the Spirit. They demonstrate humility and reliance on God's strength rather than our own. As we exhibit these traits, we become more receptive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, leading us to grow in faith.

Cultivating the fruits of the Spirit is a lifelong journey that leads to a deeper faith in Jesus Christ. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are not just virtues to possess; they are reflections of our faith in the One who transforms us from within.

Blessings.

Pastor Daryl Evans pastor at First Baptist Church, Fairbury

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Pastor's Corner: Cultivating faith through the fruits of the Spirit