The Daily Devotional
Sunday, July 13, 2025
The Fruit Reveals the Tree
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. (Galatians 5:22–23)
Introduction
In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he paints a vivid picture of what the Spirit produces in the life of a believer. These qualities—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control—are not merely admirable traits but tangible indicators of the Spirit at work within us. Like well‑tended fruit on a tree, they serve as proof of a deep-rooted connection to Christ.
Reflection
Imagine a fruit stand at a local farmer’s market. One vendor’s booth overflows with plump, sun-ripened peaches that smell of sunshine. Another stall offers bruised, mealy fruit that disappoints even before the first bite. We judge the variety without tasting—the visible fruit speaks volumes about the care behind it.
In everyday life—whether at work, school, or home—our “fruit” communicates our spiritual roots. When we respond to conflict with patience instead of frustration, or show kindness to a coworker going through a tough week, others catch a glimpse of what’s happening beneath the surface. That gentle, empathetic response shows a heart connected to something beyond ambition or anger.
Consider this: a neighbor mowing lawns for elderly residents not because they asked, but because he saw their need. His actions reflect generosity and kindness—fruit visible in a garden cultivated by the Spirit. Even if the homeowner never sets foot in a church, the tree is revealed through its fruit.
Application
This week, reflect on your “fruit.”
Which of the Spirit’s qualities flow naturally from your heart?
Which are harder?
Pick one—perhaps patience or kindness—and choose three situations this week where you can exhibit it intentionally. It might be holding your tongue in traffic, offering a genuine compliment to someone at work, or doing something unexpected for someone in your household.
By staying connected to Christ through prayer and Scripture, we nourish the root that produces good fruit.
Conclusion
Just as a tree is known by its fruit, our lives bear witness to what we truly are rooted in. When the Spirit has rightful ownership of our hearts, the overflow of love, joy, and peace becomes our natural inclination. Our ordinary actions then become sacred testimony.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, by Your Spirit, cultivate in us the fruit that reflects Your character. Where we are quick to anger, grow patience. Where we lack generosity, sow kindness. Where we struggle for control, grant us self‑restraint guided by You. May our lives be a quiet witness of Your grace, and may others taste Your goodness through our everyday deeds. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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