11^th January 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: BEAR THE SPIRIT'S FRUIT

THEME SCRIPTURE:  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. How has the presence of the Holy Spirit brought transformation to your life?

Jesus mentioned that it is expedient for Him to depart. The reason was that the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father, can only come if He [Jesus] departs.

Truly, the Holy Spirit of God has come, such that all who call upon the name of the Lord can receive Him into their hearts. The beauty of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is that God tabernacles Himself in man; God takes residence in us. 

Further, the presence of the Spirit in our lives also comes with power—power from on high. "You shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come..." (Acts 1:8).

Precious one, there is one more thing that the presence of the Holy Spirit produces—love. "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Rom 5:5).

This love of God poured into our hearts is the Spirit's fruit. This suggests that whoever has the Spirit in them also possesses the love of God. 

Yeah, beloved, the fruit [outward evidence] produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Glory to God!

Precious one, as we yield to the Holy Spirit, the love of God in us grows and matures. Once the love of God grows, its varied expressions will flow naturally from us.

He [the Spirit] will give us love for both neighbor and enemy, joy despite circumstances and in sorrow, peace in the midst of turmoil and conflict, patient forbearance during daily aggravations and persecutions, kindness in a violent society, goodness when surrounded by corruption, faithfulness though commitment is scarce, gentleness when the prevailing mood is pushy and self-centered, and self-control in a world of wild hedonism.

Do you want overflowing love, ebullient joy, deep peace, strong forbearance, tender kindness, contagious goodness, enduring faithfulness, consistent gentleness, and steady self-control? Yield your will to the Holy Spirit who dwells in you, and allow Him to work in and through you. For without Him, you cannot possess these qualities. It is by Him alone that we can show forth godly virtues. God bless you more.

FURTHER READING: Galatians 5:19-23

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. How well is the love of God maturing in your life?

PRAYER

Precious Holy Spirit, I am yielded unto You. Please work in me, and also through me. Your love is growing and flowing through me in varied expressions, such that my life is setting forth the wonderful deeds and displaying the virtues and perfections of Him Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 22-23; Psalm 11; Matthew 9