fruits
Galatians 5:22-23
Grace and peace be with you right now friend! Imagine planting a tiny seed in the ground. You water it, tend to it, and give it sunlight, waiting for the day it will sprout into something beautiful. But when that first leaf breaks through the soil? It’s pure magic! Just as seeds grow with care and patience, so do the spiritual “fruits” in our lives—love, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). So, how can we harvest these spiritual fruits, and how do we make sure what we sow is actually what we want to reap?
1. prepare the soil of your heart
Every farmer knows that good soil is the foundation for growth. The soil of our heart works the same way. If our heart is filled with bitterness, jealousy, or pride, it will choke out the seeds of kindness, patience, and peace. Just like we have to forgive ourselves and others, it’s essential to dig up any old grudges, regrets, or fear that might be keeping our heart hardened.
Each day, spend a few minutes asking God to “till” your heart, removing anything that could hinder growth. Let go of bitterness and ask Him to help you cultivate gratitude and humility.
2. sow intentionally with faith + action
Just like a gardener decides what to plant, we get to decide what we “plant” into our lives. Want more patience? Practice it in the little moments. Need to grow in kindness? Intentionally show love and gentleness, even when it’s hard. Faith and action go hand in hand. It’s not just about saying, “God, please make me more patient,” but also about seizing the opportunity to practice patience when it’s tested.
Challenge: Start by picking one “fruit” to intentionally cultivate. For example, if you’re focusing on joy, spend a week practicing gratitude daily. Write down three things that brought you joy each day, and watch as your spirit begins to flourish.
3. trust the process – growth takes time!
Think about how a tree grows. You don’t wake up one day to find it fully mature overnight; it takes months, sometimes years, of steady growth. Spiritual fruits are no different. There will be days you feel you’re getting nowhere, and maybe others where you feel like you’ve taken a step back. That’s okay. Growth isn’t a straight line—it’s a journey with highs and lows, but each moment counts.
Trust that God is working in you, even when you can’t see it. Philippians 1:6 says that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. Trust that the small steps matter, and don’t be discouraged by the journey.
4. guard against “weeds” that steal your harvest
Just as weeds compete with plants for nutrients, negative influences in our lives can steal our joy, peace, and love. Maybe it’s an unhealthy comparison to others, a toxic habit, or something that distracts us from God. Ask yourself if there’s anything choking out your growth.
Pray and seek God’s wisdom to recognize any “weeds” in your life. Removing these influences makes room for God’s spirit to move more freely within you.
5. reap the harvest with a grateful heart
One of the most incredible feelings is seeing the fruits of your labor. After all the sowing, watering, and waiting, you finally see the harvest! When you notice yourself being more patient, joyful, or peaceful, give thanks! It’s a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the work He’s done within you.
Spiritual growth doesn’t just happen to us; it happens with us. The more we lean into what God’s doing, the more we’ll experience the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. So go ahead, plant those seeds, trust the process, and celebrate the harvest God brings forth in you! Amen!
in harmony,
nancy
Pulse Check:
Take 10 minutes each day this week to check in with your heart. Write down anything weighing on you—old grudges, fears, regrets—and pray over them, asking God to release these “weeds.” Notice how much lighter you feel as you make space for new growth!
