The Power of Partnership “By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matthew 7:16-17 Kevin reminded us on Sunday that we must allow God to grow our qualities and characteristics so that we may bear the fruits of the Spirit, and we do this by spending time with Him. We have already learnt that we are powerful people, but as 1 Corinthians 13:2 says it is all but nought without love, the first of the fruits. This is a simple challenge really just to assess how much time we are spending with our Father and what fruit is being produced within us and through us. When people look at me do they see an abundance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control? If not, why not? Lately I have found the Hidden Figures soundtrack great to listen to and there is one song on their sung by Pharrell Williams with the following chorus: “Don’t you know that we’re able? That alone makes us major We can all sit at the table And grow in his favour Say yeah (yeah)” Its very gospel-y in style and so upbeat (good for dancing). But the point is, we are able and that does make us major, but it is the Holy Spirit that makes us able and if we lose sight of that we may turn into a thorny (and self-righteous) bush, and no-one wants to hang around a thorny bush (they are prickly and uncomfortable and completely unedifying). I would much rather be a fruitful tree bearing a crop of succulent figs that can provide sweet sustenance to those around me. Lord, help me to grow in the fruits of your spirit.
Written by Lucy Maddox