Galatians 5:22-23

Have you ever heard the saying that, “one bad apple can ruin the whole bunch?” That is actually true. Did you know scientifically that when one piece of fruit or vegetable begins to spoil it gives off a gas (called ethylene) that speeds the ripening of all the other healthy fruits and vegetables around it. Whether in a box, barrel or bowl, it can cause over ripening very quickly and that’s what we call spoiled. Today I don’t want to discuss rotten or spoiled fruit, I want to highlight what the bible calls the “fruit of the spirit.” These are good fruits and never spoil or decay. These are fruits that don’t emit toxic fumes. And maybe most importantly, these are not fruits that cause others to go bad. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. They seem simple enough, but in reality they are very difficult to practice effectively. That’s why they are “of the Spirit.” God’s spirit guides us in these important disciplines so we can be better followers of His son Jesus. And so we can be the best children God wants and needs us to be for others. I’d like for you to reflect this week on the positive ways you reflect these traits of the spirit, as well as ways you know that you can improve. Think of a time you loved when others wouldn’t, or a time when you didn’t love, but knew you could have. How did you feel? What lesson may you have learned? What steps can you take to grow in God’s grace to expand your capacity to be fruitful in the spirit? It will help you, but it will most definitely and more deeply effect the lives of those around you. God Bless.

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@gmail. com.