Lasting Fruit

In Galatians 5:22, we read that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [and] faithfulness” (ESV). When have we ever needed more love, joy, peace, and so on than during the caregiving experience? We’re in one of the most challenging periods of our lives. Aren’t we glad God promised that as we grow in the Spirit these wonderful qualities become ever more available? Caregiving takes all the spiritual nourishment we can grasp.

It’s good to know that God doesn’t simply give us the fruit for a single day. He doesn’t offer a snippet of love for today and leave us loveless tomorrow. Instead He builds love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest into our lives in increasing measure.

Tomorrow we may not feel particularly loving, though God gave us a blessing of love today. Sin may keep us from feeling the gift He placed in our hearts. But God does not reclaim His gifts at the end of the day—when He gives, He gives wholeheartedly.

He is filling us with His Spirit’s fruit, which will last a lifetime. No fruit of His is eaten today and lost tomorrow. Instead, it’s the foundation of a blessing through our whole lives, ready and waiting for all who run to Him!