I have this apple tree in my yard…

Gal 5:22-23. “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.”

Shortly after we bought the house where we live now, we realized that the big tree in the side yard was an apple tree, and that it was going to be loaded down with apples. That first summer, we had apples EVERYWHERE. It was pre-kids, so I had my hands free more… I picked apples and made apple butter and gave away apples and cooked apples and… lots and lots of apples. One day, I asked the previous owners how they kept up with all the apples… they seemed a bit confused.

I soon learned that the entire time they’d lived in the house (probably 20 years or more?) that apple tree had only produced maybe a handful of apples.

It just existed there, casting shade and processing sunlight.

As a Christian, are you firmly rooted in the Spirit? Or are you asking to bask in the Son’s light, while casting shade around you and not producing fruit?

Others will know what kind of person you are by your fruit. If you have the Holy Spirit within you, you are going to produce good fruit. If you are not, then maybe it’s time to reevaluate your spiritual wellness.

I encourage you to meditate on Galatians 5:22-23 as you ask God to reveal to you anything that might be standing in the way of your own fruits growing and being a blessing to those around you (and yourself).

Printable Scripture Card: right click and “save image as”