The Fruits Of The Spirit

” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” ~Genesis 50:19-21 (NKJV)

Reflection:

Could you imagine Michael Jordan being considered the greatest NBA player of all time but never took a moment to learn how to dribble a basketball? How about a person saying they love you but their actions always contradict the very word spoken. In a likewise manner, many people today are professing to be Christians but are living a lifestyle that is contrary to the teachings of Christ! Just like our beloved Savior said in His precious holy word, we are to be known as a follower of Him by the fruit (lifestyle) in which we produce (Matt. 7:15-20).

It is with this thought in mind I decided, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, to start a short yet concise blog series on the fruits of the Spirit and how they should apply to us as modern day believers. My earnest prayer for you today is that no matter where you are on your spiritual journey with Christ, You can look to this teaching and increase in your knowledge and understanding of living life in the Spirit! No matter how great you might think your gifting or calling might be. The Lord will always honor His WORD above your name!

As I read the Scriptures, I immediately noticed two fruits of the Spirit that was evident in Joseph's life. The first was long suffering. Joseph was in a situation where his brothers brutally betrayed him by selling him into slavery. The people that he loved the most hurt him. Sound familiar? Yet, in the midst of Joseph's darkest season, he chose not to complain, rather endure the hardness of life and remain faithful to God through it all. Because, he understood that God was on his side. He kept the dream in which the Lord had given him in his heart alive.

Many times as believers, we tend to look at the trails and tribulations of life and think that God is mad at us and does want us to succeed. Reader, let me encourage you today in the name of Jesus Christ. God did not call you to fail! In fact, He desires for you to prosper in every area of your life (3 John 1:2).But that does not mean that we as believers are excluded from life's problems. However, because we know Christ, there is no circumstance, issue, or past hurt in our lives that can defeat us. Because Jesus conquered it all on the Cross of Cavalry. Hallelujah!

The second fruit of the Spirit that was evident in Joseph's life was love. Years later, Joseph would have a chance to get revenge on his brothers. Alternatively, when he saw his brothers after such a cold-hearted betrayal, he did not see them as evil people rather he saw them through the eyes and compassion of the Lord. Beloved, at some point in life, people will fail you. No matter who they are or how close they might be to you personally. As believers, we should not be taken by surprise when these things happen rather we should learn how to view people through the compassion of Christ. To forgive others even as we have been forgiven by the Lord (Eph. 4:32). So I challenge you today to let this be your personal prayer, that God would help these two fruits of the Spirit to be made manifested in your life. So that just like Joseph, you are able to keep the dream alive that the Lord has given you in your heart and continue to live life in the Spirit.

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