But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

Galatians 5:22-23a CSB

I hope I’m not dating myself too much here in this age of streaming apps and the ability to “skip” content we don’t want to see, but do you remember those infomercials for kitchen gadgets and stain lifters and hair styling tools and all manner of household and personal beautification wonders that ran from the 1980’s through the early 2000’s?

The inventors of the items or the celebrities promoting them were always so excited to tell us all about the product or service, they went on and on, with way over the top facial expressions and vocal speed and volume.

I generally ignored commercials growing up, but those always caught my attention. Even today, I catch myself using the often-quoted line that those infomercials always included at least once:

“But wait, there’s more!”

And friend, that’s how I feel right now talking to you about God’s good and perfect gift of the Holy Spirit.

My fingers are typing as quickly and excitedly as those infomercial spokespersons spoke, and I feel like every post is a new opportunity to say to you:

“But wait, there’s more!”

Because, like all of God’s gifts, with the Holy Spirit, there’s always more than we realize, more to discover each day. We’ve already looked at how the Holy Spirit is our counselor, our teacher and guide, and our intercessor.

Today, let’s take a look at Galatians 5:22-23a and the fruit of the Spirit.

You see, not only does Holy Spirit work actively to help us understand God’s will and ways, to strengthen our relationship with God, there’s more! With the gift of Holy Spirit, comes the fruit of the Spirit:

• love,
• joy,
• peace,
• patience,
• kindness,
• goodness,
• faithfulness,
• gentleness,
• and self-control.

The fruit of the Spirit helps us apply God’s will and ways to our daily attitudes and actions, helps us strengthen our relationship with others as we seek to share God’s love with them and to spread the good news of the Gospel.

“But wait, there’s more!”

Holy Spirit doesn’t come with just one fruit! It’s not a “Pick 3” deal or a “Buy One, Get One” kind of offer!

The fruit of the Spirit is a COMPLETE PACKAGE, and it’s COMPLETELY FREE!

Wish you had more patience with your children, grandchildren, or students? Maybe just with that one kid? (We all have that one.)

• Holy Spirit’s got you covered!

Have a colleague, neighbor, or fellow church-goer that you struggle to be kind or gentle toward?

• Holy Spirit’s got you covered!

That Christmas cookie tray calling your name a little louder than your current level of self-control?

• Holy Spirit’s got you covered!

I could write on the gift of fruit of the Spirit all day for months. Countless studies on Galatians 5:22-23 exist to prove that reality. And that has me thinking about Ephesians 3:20-21 (CSB):

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or thinking according to the power that works in us – to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (added emphasis mine)

Believer, what’s that power that works in us?

Holy Spirit!

In John 14:17, our Lord and Savior describes the Holy Spirit as:

He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you. (added emphasis mine)

It doesn’t get much more “But wait, there’s more!” than that!

All day, every day, all night, every night, Holy Spirit lives within those who believe on Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) and Holy Spirit constantly works in us to develop the fruit of the Spirit, to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us with the goodness of God’s ways and the fulfillment of God’s will.

Praise God, He is the best giver of gifts! All of His gifts are good and perfect!

May we open our hands this Christmas season and every season to the bounty of His gifts! May we bless His Holy Spirit with fellowship and partnership and see the harvest of His good, good fruit!

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