But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
These are the tangible graces that can be consumed by others in our lives. In my past a teacher said that the tree does not produce fruit by effort but rather by nature. We have a new nature because of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
It did not occur to me at the time but I ask now, “Does the tree feel the fruit it produces?”
These fruits are produced to be enjoyed by those around us. A tree does not consume its own fruit. I am not even sure that the tree is even aware of the process of fruit production.
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Nor is the tree responsible for where it is planted.
Our old nature likes to take credit for any effort we have accomplished. That is in the world but when we became Kingdom dwellers, it is not because of anything we have done except perhaps surrendered to our Lord. It is time to stop taking credit and honor God.
I almost said glorify God but the truth of glory is that glory is the essence of Jesus Christ manifested through the vessels wherein He dwells. It is the example of the cup which is not able to pour itself out, it requires the touch of the Master’s hand. Once again, we cannot take credit for that.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
We sacrifice our life so that He can live through us. Glorifying God in that way is possible.