Fruit of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-23

How do I know if the Spirit is alive and well in my life? I look for evidence that He is bearing fruit in my life. Am I more loving than I used to be or do I find it harder to love the unlovable? Am I experiencing the peace that is beyond human understanding or am I just another scattered, nervous member of an over-scheduled society? Am I growing more patient day by day or am I becoming impatient and "set in my ways" as I "mature?" Are kindness and goodness being produced in my character and seen through my actions as the Holy Spirit leads me through my everyday life? Am I exhibiting faithfulness to God, my faith, my family as I make my choices. Am I gentle? Am I controlling myself in a way that pleases the Lord as I yield to the Holy Spirit's promptings?

If the Holy Spirit is not bearing fruit in my life, it is not because the Holy Spirit has suddenly become non-productive. It is because I am not staying connected to the Holy Spirit. The growth of the fruit are not the only goal, the relationship with the Father, Son, and Spirit is even more important. Drawing others into relationship with God as they see His glory reflected in my life as the fruit is developed is also important. The growth of the fruit in my spiritual life, just like it is in natural like, is above all else a sign of LIFE and HEALTH!