But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Devotion:

I grew up in Washington state where there are lots of berry bushes. I remember when we planted four young blueberry bushes in our backyard. I was so excited to have buckets and buckets of blueberries! 

Summer finally came and I checked those blueberry bushes every week, waiting for them to be full of fruit. Throughout the whole summer, each blueberry bush produced about five berries. I was so disappointed. 

At our friend’s house they had blueberry bushes that produced thousands of berries. I asked my mom why we had so few berries compared to them. She explained to me that our bushes were young, and theirs were decades old. Their bushes had years to strengthen, mature, and grow. Each year of care allowed the bushes to produce more fruit and grow stronger. 

In John 15:1-5, Jesus tells us that he is the vine and we are the branches. He explains that the Father is like the gardener, pruning branches so that they can bear more fruit. Jesus also says that those who abide in him will bear much fruit, but apart from him we can do nothing. 

Have you ever read or heard about the Fruit of the Spirit and questioned why you don’t have more of it in your daily life? 

I think Jesus gives us the answer in that passage in John 15. It’s all about abiding in him and remaining in relationship with him. We can do this by reading the Bible, praying, worshiping, and surrendering ourselves to him. When we abide in him, the fruit of the Holy Spirit will be produced abundantly in our life.

This week, as you think of the fruit of the Spirit, remind yourself of those blueberry bushes. Remember that it takes time for branches to build the strength to bear the weight of much fruit. Pray and ask Jesus to abide with you as you abide with him, ask the Father to continue to prune the areas of your life that need pruning, and ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of the fruit that is present in your daily life. 

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Please continue to make us more like your Son as the fruit of your Spirit develops in our daily life. Help us to become more aware of the work you are doing in our lives. 

Amen.

Maddie Flores is the Media Coordinator for Crossings Kids. She is passionate about helping all families discover and deepen their relationship with God. 

Resources: 

• Listen to Life on the Vine podcasts
• Watch “Radical Strength” sermon message
• Explore messages and teachings on YouTube

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