A note from our pastor:

“(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)”

Ephesians 5:9

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle brings forth a metaphor which he also uses in the book of Galatians. This metaphor is “the fruit of the Spirit” and is representative of the outward signs of the Holy Spirit working in the life of a believer.

As with all metaphors, particularly in scripture, it is important to avoid attempting to create a 1 to 1 comparison with all aspects of the metaphor. With this particular metaphor the comparative aspects include the need for life to be present first (natural life for the tree, spiritual life for the believer), the need for light and nourishment (natural light from the sun and water for the tree, spiritual light and nourishment for the believer), and the bearing of fruit as evidence of the nature of the being (we know an apple tree is an apple tree because it produces apples, we know a believer is a child of God because they produce spiritual fruit).

In the prior verse, the Apostle gave the instruction to walk as children of light. In other words, to walk in such a way as to reflect the light of Jesus Christ in your life. Our study verse is a parenthetical which adds more meaning and information to the prior verse. The Apostle is expounding upon this concept and instructing the believer if they walk in the light, then they will produce the fruit of the spirit, which is goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Goodness as part of the fruit of the Spirit comes in many forms, but it includes having empathy and compassion for those in distress. It means assisting others according to your means and abilities and also having a readiness to forgive. It also appears in the form of using meekness and strength in admonishing others to follow after Jesus Christ.

Righteousness, not of ourselves, but of God comes in the form of obeying his teachings. It presents itself as attending to worship, prayer, study, and meditation. It is a desire to know more about Jesus Christ and the completed work of our salvation, but also a burden to live a life showing forth the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus Christ.

Truth manifested in the believer is opposed to lying, hypocrisy, and falsehood. It finds bearing false witness and using Jesus Christ for personal gain to be beyond objectionable. It decries the notion of the end justifies the means and seeks to walk each day in a way that is representative of the work of salvation in the believer.

The Apostle sets forth many other behaviors which are part of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians. Each of these is nourished and grown when we walk in the light of Jesus Christ.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah