We have spent several weeks walking through the different layers in our lives. Layers we’ve picked up along the way and, in many cases, continue to carry. My prayer is that during this time, we have each sat with God, asking Him to reveal what needs to be confronted and changed.
This is not an easy process. Pruning what doesn’t belong is often painful, yet it is necessary for spiritual growth and for developing true intimacy in our relationship with Christ. These have been heavy topics; ones that require us to dig deep, to surrender honestly, and to trust Jesus with the parts of us that need transformation.
But it is in that surrender that change happens.
When we allow Him to do the pruning, although painful, He makes room for new life, deeper healing, and lasting fruit. This week, I would like for us to dig into the Fruit of the Spirit. Paul talks about crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires and encourages us to move “in step with the Holy Spirit”. What does all really mean? Let’s dig deeper together..
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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. – Galatians 5:22-26
How do we actually do this?
As we read about the fruit of the Spirit, many of us unintentionally place pressure on ourselves; to love more, to be kinder, to be gentler, to have more patience. We try harder, strive more, and feel discouraged when we fall short. But the truth is, we cannot make ourselves do any of those things.
Paul doesn’t instruct us to produce the fruit; he tells us to “keep in step with the Spirit.” That distinction matters.
When we are intentional about spending time with God, reading His Word, walking in obedience, and seeking Him with our whole heart, the fruit comes naturally. Often, we don’t even realize the transformation is happening because it’s not forced, it’s formed in His presence.
Think of it this way: we can prepare the soil, cultivate the ground, and plant the tree but we cannot make the fruit grow. Growth happens as a result of consistent care. Our responsibility is the preparation and the tending; God is responsible for the fruit.
Our faith works the same way.
I remember in high school, I developed a bad habit of cussing. It’s funny because I only did it at school or outside my home. My mom would have literally broken my teeth if she heard me. I had never heard her say a bad word in my entire life, yet somehow, I picked up the habit anyway. And it got bad.
A few years later, when I truly gave my life to God, something unexpected happened, it just stopped. I didn’t make a plan. I didn’t try to quit. One day, it was simply gone. I’m not saying every habit disappears that way, or that effort doesn’t matter. But as I immersed myself in the things of God, that habit was shed. It no longer fit who I was becoming. And people noticed. That’s what happens when we remain close to Him. When we spend time in His presence, He changes us, not through pressure, but through transformation.
We don’t force the fruit.
We stay connected to the Vine.
We choose to abide in Him
Simple Steps to Draw Closer to Christ and Cultivate an Intimate Relationship With Him
1. Set aside intentional time with God.
Choose a consistent time and place to meet with Him each day for about 10–15 minutes. If that feels overwhelming, start with just 5 minutes. What matters most is consistency, not perfection.
2. Open Scripture and your heart.
Spend time reading the Gospels. Keep a journal nearby and write down:
- What you’re grateful for
- Your prayers and petitions
- Areas you’re struggling with
- Verses or words that speak to you
When you finish, sit quietly in silence. Allow space to listen for what God may be revealing to your heart.
3. Pray for godly community.
Ask God to surround you with people who genuinely love Him, serve Him faithfully, and encourage you in your walk and calling.
4. Ask for wisdom and discernment.
Invite God to show you any relationships, habits, or influences that may be pulling you away from Him and give you the courage to let go of what no longer aligns with His will.
5. Seek a faith mentor.
Look for someone who will walk alongside you, hold you accountable, and help guide and shape your spiritual growth.
6. Trust the Holy Spirit to do the rest.
Surrender the process to Him. True transformation doesn’t come from striving; it comes from the Spirit changing your heart from the inside out.
Does Paul talk about the opposite of this? Yes, he does!
In Galatians 5:19, Paul clearly describes what is contrary to walking in the Spirit:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
What a contrast from the previous scripture, literally light versus darkness. Paul warns us to stay away from these things and to live differently; to live with the mind of Christ so that we may inherit the kingdom of God. Every item he lists is something we are capable of falling into. Left unchecked, these behaviors can become strongholds that slowly pull our hearts away from God.
My hope is that this week our focus is not on perfection, but on intentional steps toward closeness with Him. If you find yourself in a good place spiritually, reach out and walk alongside someone who may be discouraged or struggling. We all have layers to shed. Every one of us has room to grow closer to God and to cultivate our faith daily. We all need community.
That is how we remain on His path, by staying close enough to hear His voice, becoming sensitive to His prompting, and learning how to walk as citizens of His Kingdom.
So let us draw near to God. And as we do, let us bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In time, these qualities will take root and give life in us and through us, they will impact our families, our churches, and our communities for the glory of God.
