Fruits of the Spirit

I have learned so much through the Beth Moore Bible study at my church. The title is "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place" and the entire study focuses on the tabernacle in the Old Testament. Before you groan and and think, "Boring!" (because I did too), you must realize that I have never been in a study that has been so incredibly challenging before. The tabernacle was a way for God to dwell among His people in the OT, much like our hearts became God's dwelling place after he sent His Son to die for us. There are so many concepts I could share, but I will have to limit this post to just one I have recently encountered.

I have grown up in the church, and have never before heard what Beth Moore explains about the Fruits of the Spirit. I have heard them all before and have tried my hardest to put each and every one into practice......Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Have you every wondered why these characteristics are called "fruits" of the Holy Spirit? Because when we allow God's Spirit to flow freely through us, as Christ's vessels, we begin to display all these fruits; similar to how a tree will bear fruit when adequately watered. Instead of praying for more patience, more kindness, and more self-control, we should more appropriately pray that God will purify us and make us a fit vessel for His presence, so we may overflow with His Holy Spirit. Only then, will the fruits automatically be produced!