Gifts and Fruit

I think two things that are awesome are gifts and fruit.

The first is awesome because gifts represent love, thoughtfulness and surprise. During holidays, birthdays and other special moments, gifts help us feel loved and noticed – which is huge for everyone. Giving gifts expresses joy and receiving it creates precious memories. Sometimes the gifts are bad and other times they are perfect. No matter the details, these moments are priceless, as our time with those we love is our greatest commodity.

The second fruit – is awesome because it’s sweet and healthy, which helps me feel better about my bad diet! Are you the same? Seriously, I love fresh fruit. It ca be served at a variety of occasions, from a black tie event to a back yard barbeque. You can’t beat watermelon, blue berries, strawberries, plums, mangos, apples, oranges, pineapples and more. Come on now, I’m feeling Jesus on this!

On a cultural level, Gifts and Fruit are a big part of what we do. They are a big part of God’s culture, too.

His gifts are freely given through grace. They empower us to walk, speak and act like Jesus. These gifts are the bridge between us and God. Through them, his presence has the power to touch the deepest areas of our lives. This topic is an open door to have more of Him, being filled and led by the Holy Spirit. When God uses us in our world to touch those around us, we find our place and rhythm in God.

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities but it the same God who works all in all.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Notice the three distinct aspects of these verses: diversities of gifts, differences of ministries and diversities of activities. This speaks to our unique place and giftings from Him. He has a perfect niche in which each of us can thrive and have purpose. The gifts of the Holy Spirit attach us to what God is saying and doing in us and others; therefore, we discover what God can do through us. This is pivotal. As we journey through life with Christ, we understand how there is more than just making money, paying bills, retiring and dying. God is greater than that, and we are called to more. His gifts help reveal this.

I encourage you to reach out and receive these gifts. Receive the ministry and the activity He has for you. By doing so, you will go to another level of intimacy with Jesus that brings Him closer to you and your reality.

His fruit is developed in our lives when He shapes our character and integrity. This is vital, because when the fruit is developed in our lives, we are strong enough to carry the gifts He has given us. When our character is fortified in Christ, we can retain and receive all He has for us. When it’s not fortified, we can easily falter under the weight of responsibility and promotion. This difficult process of development is not summed up in a moment, but rather in a lifelong walk of faith. During this walk, His fruit is grown in each of us. This growth never stops in terms of a destination, but it’s an evolution of ourselves into more of Him.

So what is His fruit?

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

Notice, this speaks of singular, “fruit,” and the list starts off with love! We are developed through the fruit being formed in us as it touches our everyday lives. These nine aspects will impact relationships, careers, parenting, church, our neighbors, families and more. Jesus want these to guide how we see people, ourselves and world we live in. The fruit of God empowers us to be like Him in character, attitude and integrity so that we reflect Christ the best we can in the good and in the bad. The fruit helps live out what we believe, both when it’s easy and when it’s hard. The fruit of God will enable us to walk through open doors of opportunity with humility and wisdom, for the purpose of longevity and faithfulness.

Both God’s gifts and God’s fruit are for us all, and they shape who we are and what we can do for and with Jesus!

I encourage you to reach for His Gifts and Fruit making a complete picture of His purpose in you. It’s my belief that both of these go hand-in-hand in. They bring balance to what we do and who we are through our faith. Ask for His gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 and Romans 12:5-8. Seek to know which gifts He has given you, and then the ministry and activities to go with it as you discover more of Him inside you. Then, be willing for the fruit of God to be grown within you through the trials and trophies of life, so that your character is cemented in who He is. This is possible, and this is for you.

When we receive His gifts and use them, we are empowered. When we develop in His fruit, we become rooted in who we are and who He is. The best is yet to come; therefore, pursue Him and receive all He has for you.

Have a great week in His hands,