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- Apr 25, 2006
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Getting fruity?
'... the fruit of the Spirit ...' Galatians 5:22-23
So, why does The Bible have a 'fruit' fetish? You can't turn a page in the New Testament without some green-fingered old beardy asking you if you're bearing fruit. Is it because Mars bars and chips weren't invented then, or is there a purpose in using 'fruit' as an analogy? Well, think about it, our nutrient-rich friends are bursting with goodness (something us God folk should be too).
James was a bit fruity for God, that's why he writes, 'I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." (James 2:18 NLT). This verse sums up James' rant about, not just talking a good game, but actually living out your faith or showing everyone your Vitamin C-hristianity.
Now, where do apples come from? Are they mindlessly processed off a conveyor belt in a factory somewhere near Slough? No. They grow naturally, in season and off a healthy tree. Good fruit reflects a good tree. It's the same with us: when we're cutting it for JC we're showing our ripe fruit, we're reflecting a good tree, we're shimmering for Jesus.
Finally, what does this fruit taste like? Paul lists nine different kinds of spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Start going about showing that little lot off and you'll soon make your mates spiritually hungry for something you've got but they haven't: Vitamin JC.
written by Bob Gass
'... the fruit of the Spirit ...' Galatians 5:22-23
So, why does The Bible have a 'fruit' fetish? You can't turn a page in the New Testament without some green-fingered old beardy asking you if you're bearing fruit. Is it because Mars bars and chips weren't invented then, or is there a purpose in using 'fruit' as an analogy? Well, think about it, our nutrient-rich friends are bursting with goodness (something us God folk should be too).
James was a bit fruity for God, that's why he writes, 'I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." (James 2:18 NLT). This verse sums up James' rant about, not just talking a good game, but actually living out your faith or showing everyone your Vitamin C-hristianity.
Now, where do apples come from? Are they mindlessly processed off a conveyor belt in a factory somewhere near Slough? No. They grow naturally, in season and off a healthy tree. Good fruit reflects a good tree. It's the same with us: when we're cutting it for JC we're showing our ripe fruit, we're reflecting a good tree, we're shimmering for Jesus.
Finally, what does this fruit taste like? Paul lists nine different kinds of spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Start going about showing that little lot off and you'll soon make your mates spiritually hungry for something you've got but they haven't: Vitamin JC.
written by Bob Gass
