Spiritual Fruit

So I finally got to the passage about the fruits of the Spirit this morning...  and I actually noticed a couple things I hadn't seen before.  One is that these gifts appear "the same way that fruit appears in an orchard."  For me, this is a big deal.  It takes me back to the parable of the scattered seed and causes me to think about just what kind of dirt my heart is right now... I'm guessing if I want those "gifts" or "fruits" of the Spirit to grow well and flourish, "good dirt" or a soft heart is the way to go!  And if I'm not noticing those fruits... or if some of them have maybe gotten kind of rotten... it may have something to do with the state of my heart "soil."  

Another thing I noticed in this passage which I've always skipped over before is the part that says, "...let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.  That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse.  We have far more interesting things to do with our lives.  Each of us is an original."

In a way, I think that could refer again to tearing down our brothers and sisters, as in thinking we are better than they are... But I also think this could mean viewing certain jobs or gifts as better or worse... I could be wrong... but I see this concept contributing to "partisan strife" as well and have noticed how when that creeps up in my own life, I have a tendency to lean toward legalism rather than on a life in the Spirit.

So the Message Bible lists the fruits as: affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity, willingness to stick with things, compassion in the heart, a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people, loyal commitment, not needing to force our way in life, and directing our energies wisely.

WOW.  I want to live that way!