“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Many years ago I had the great privilege of pastoring a dear congregation in the heart of Welch’s Grape country.  Little did I realize what a grape farmer did all year long to see the fruit of his labors at harvest.  I walked along one cold, blustery, and bone-chilling day with a grape farmer who explained to me the process of pruning and preparing the branches for the crop that would come.  Fruitfulness required much work on the part of the farmer. Likewise in our spiritual lives, the blessed Holy Spirit is at work to produce His fruit described in these verses. Regularly I ask myself, “How is the fruit of the Spirit showing in my life?” I don’t want to grow old and grumpy (my family doesn’t want me to do this either!) I want the fruit of the Spirit to be consistently demonstrated in my life. How about you?

For today:  Don’t be surprised at the work of the Holy Spirit as He carefully prunes away in your life. It will be soon worth it!