Matthew 7:16 says they will be known by their fruit. How are we to be known by our fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 provides the answer. The fruit of the Spirit are attributes of God’s divine nature. He possesses all those qualities. When we choose to invite Jesus into our hearts and receive the gift of salvation, we are born again. Our old sin nature has been replaced by God’s divine nature. Jesus and His Father are One so with Jesus in our hearts, we have His divine nature too. Let’s delve into the Bible to find Scripture that supports God’s attributes and divine nature in the fruit of the Spirit.
Love – “God is Love” I John 4:8 – God is loving by nature.
Joy – “In Your presence is fullness of joy” Psalm 16:11 – God is joyful by nature.
Peace – He is “the God of peace.” Philippians :9 – God is peaceful by nature.
Goodness – “The Lord God, merciful and gracious show to anger, and abounding in goodness.”Exodus 3:6 – The Lord is merciful, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in goodness by nature.
Patience – “The Lord is patient and of great mercy.” Numbers 14:18 – God is patient and full of mercy by nature.
Faithful – “Your faithfulness is unto all generations” Psalm 119:90 – God is faithful by nature to all generations, which includes us, our children and their offspring.
Gentleness: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 God is gentle and humble by nature.
Self-Control: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control” 2 Timothy 1:7 God is power, love, and self-controlled by nature.
God had wonderful plans for the human beings He created. After the fall and sin entered the world; He put a plan in motion that would not only redeem, but help mankind succeed while living on the earth. He sent His Son, Jesus, as a living example of someone who lived a holy and righteous life until His death on the Cross. Jesus walked the earth as a man, but sinless. He lived among the people with the fruit of the Spirit always visible. He did everything in the manner of God, His heavenly Father. Because Jesus lives inside of us; we are filled with the fruit of the Spirit, and like Him, possess God’s divine nature. People will know us by our fruit.
Heavenly Father, I pray for each one reading this message. I pray that their hearts and minds be fully opened to believe and receive all that’s available, and possible for born-again believers. Lord, I pray that believers everywhere will display the fruit of the Spirit that’s within them, so they will be known by their fruit. The fruit You provide is always good and readily available to anyone who asks for it, and I pray that many do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen