How are spiritual fruit different from natural human traits given at birth or from learned character traits? Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). He also said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man [person] remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Fruit bearing takes time and only comes as we stay in vital relationship with Jesus and cooperate with the Holy Spirit. There is no other way to get spiritual fruit. Natural or learned traits fall short of what the Spirit can do. Natural love is limited. Natural joy is temporary. Natural peace may be lazy or insensitive. Natural kindness too often is used to manipulate others. Natural goodness is too often a front and is hypocritical. We need something more, something that is imparted by the divine chemistry of the Holy Spirit. (source: ag.org)
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 11:00:00 +0000