Fruit of the Holy Spirit

In Revelation 22, we have a reference to the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life gives both medicine and food. It yields 12 crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. There is a continuous succession of heavenly blessings.

Jesus Christ is that Tree of Life.

The leaves of the Tree of Life are for the healing of nations. If we look into the Internet we can see how sick the world has become. The leaves of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ can heal whole nations. There are so many parts of the world that remain in darkness. There are other so-called 'Christian' parts of the world, which are a travesty of Christ. The leaves of the Tree of Life are for the health and healing of all parts of this weary sin-ridden globe.

But the thought that struck me is that if we have that Tree of Life within us, as surely all born-again believers believe that Christ lives within them, then the sure sign that we are true believers is that we will bear Fruit. The Bible specifically talks about the Fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5.22, 23. We may be involved in much ministry, many souls may be saved through our preaching, we may receive name & fame, people may look up to us. But God's word judges us by our fruits. 'You will know them by their fruits.' Matt 7.20

Am I producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

First: Love, Joy, Peace.

Next: Patience, Kindness, Goodness.

Finally: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.

We are so carried away by outward show, we neglect the divine warning. Does a Christian exhibit love & truth? At home or in the office, are we patient & kind? And what about faithfulness & self-control? [Surely we must be disciplined to become His disciples.] And gentleness? The imperishable quality of a gentle & quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God, 1 Pet 3.4

I have still a long way to go. But one thing I know, if I have the Tree of Life I must produce the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.