“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law..”
Galatians 5:22–23
Yesterday I posted three video teachings on Self Control: The Fruit Nobody Wants to Eat. These videos and future video teaching can be accessed here.
I encourage you to watch the series and download the notes to go deep into the study of self-control from a Biblical and practical standpoint.
Today, I want to focus on practical spiritual habits that you can implement to grow in any of the fruits the apostle Paul lists in Galatians 5:22–23.
Walk by the Spirit
Galatians 5: 16, just a few verses before the spiritual fruit listing says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” If you want to curb the desires and longing of the flesh and grow your spiritual fruit, make sure you walk by the Spirit. What does that look like practically?
Fertilize your spiritual tree to bear more fruit by adding these seven habits to your spiritual practice.
- Spend regular time in the Presence of God. Set aside time daily to abide with Him.
- Spend regular time in the Word of God. Study God’s word and ingest it into your heart.
- Spend regular time listening to the Spirit of God. That is how you recognize His voice when God says “This, not that. Here, not there. Later, not now.”
- Fast if God directs you. Consider fasting fleshly habits not just food. Perhaps fast from certain words or comments.
- Take your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. Replace negative self talk with the truth and promises from the Word of God.
- Keep a clean heart. Forgive and repent quickly to keep your heart in a place to respond rather than react from emotion or the flesh.
- Take the time to pause, ponder with the Lord and pray before responding to an invitation, an email, or an opportunity.
This is a good time to check in with the Lord. How are you doing with this fruit of the Spirit?
Celebrate areas and times when you see them manifest in your life.
Consider adding a new habit or two that will help you grow.
At the end of the notes from the teaching on Self Control, you will find an exercise that will help you walk consider how mature your spiritual fruit is and what you can do to nurture it. Download the study notes here.
May your eyes be open to see and your ears open to hear what the Lord shows you.