God's Holy Fire: 'Fruit of the Spirit'

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Key Thought

Sometimes we misunderstand "fruit of the Spirit" because we say "fruits of the Spirit." This difference seems like such a small thing, but, unfortunately, this small thing can lead us to a dangerously false conclusion. The fruit of the Spirit involves all nine of these qualities. We can't excuse a lack of growth in one area or another as simply not having all the fruits of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is working to create the character of Jesus in us (2 Corinthians 3:18; see also Galatians 4:19). He wants to see us growing in each area; we should not excuse ourselves from any one of these qualities of Jesus. I don't know about you, but there are several areas in which I need to grow - but I believe the Spirit is making progress in them. Let's keep encouraging each other to let the Spirit lead us to become more and more like Jesus in every way!

Today's Prayer

O precious Father, God Most High, thank you for your patience, grace, and forgiveness. I want the Holy Spirit to lead me and empower me to grow in every way, but especially so that I can be more and more like Jesus in love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Thank you for hearing my prayer offered in Jesus' name. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

40 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 5:22-23 NIV — But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, January 21, 2025

A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"Think about the Israelites: Do not those who eat the sacrifices share in the altar? I do not mean that the food sacrificed to an idol is important. I...."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"The Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens. When he speaks in..."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Very interesting is this little peep into the house of the Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the....."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.