Fruit of the Spirit

<p>Good morning, Five Minute Families. Last week, we replayed our original Five Minute Family recording. That’s because while we are called Five Minute Family, the goal has never been to encourage you to spend only five minutes a day with your family. The goal was to point out how we all have to start somewhere, even when we have colossally failed previously. So, we encourage families to begin thinking intentionally about five strategic minutes of each and every day. Once your five minutes have been established, the growth can begin to multiple.</p><p>Much like the fruit of the Spirit. Listen to these verses from Galatians 5:</p><p>It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (1) … For we, through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. (5) … For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (13-14) … But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (16) … But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. (22-25)</p><p>Briefly, let us address that the nine attributes listed in verses 22 and 23 are referred to as the fruit, not fruits. We don’t want to delve too deeply into the controversies people will make, but we do need to point out that an apple tree does not produce oranges. And, since fruit refers to the product or result of something and the Holy Spirit is one “tree,” we are all capable of all nine attributes of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. So, whether you call the nine attributes fruit or fruits, remember that the