The Produce Department – The Presidential Prayer Team

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23

In a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to George Washington, he said, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute the most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.” On another occasion, Jefferson would say that “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens.” If you visit Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Central Virginia, you will have the opportunity to walk among the grounds and gardens. In addition to being a political figure, Jefferson would say he was a farmer. His journals recall the way he studied how things grow, including flowering plants, orchards, and vegetables. He knew that no matter how well he applied science to farming or gardening, the results were in God’s hands.

In the life of the Christ follower, the Holy Spirit is a “gentleman farmer.” It is He who produces fruit in the life of a believer. The listing in today’s passage is a good checklist for your spiritual produce department. The seeds of your fruit-bearing were planted at the time of your salvation. Growth happens as you live out your sanctification—becoming more like Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you. As you grow in Christ, fruit matures. For some, it may take longer than for others.

In Jesus’ lesson on the vine and the branches, He reminds you that fruit is the result of you abiding in Him. Theologian John Piper says, “It’s trusting in Jesus, remaining in fellowship with Jesus, connecting to Jesus, so that all that God is for us in Him is flowing like a life-giving sap into our lives. That’s number one: abiding is believing, trusting, savoring, resting, receiving.” Keep in step with the Lord and His Holy Spirit for a bountiful and fruit-filled life that will persuade others to want to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Galatians 5:5, Psalm 34:8).

Today’s Verse: Galatians 5:22-23

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

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: John 15:1-11, 16

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ²Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.