Ephesians 5:9 (KJV)

9 For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.

I used to think that producing the fruit of the Spirit was all on me. I thought that I had to somehow muster up enough goodness and righteousness after I was saved. That mindset only led to frustration and a constant feeling of not being good enough. 

I realized that the fruit of the Spirit isn’t something we, as flawed and imperfect humans, can produce on our own. The fruit of the Spirit is actually produced by Jesus. It’s His goodness, His righteousness, and His truth that are the Fruits of the spirit. When I understood that, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Ephesians 5:9 makes it clear: the fruit of the Spirit is all about goodness, righteousness, and truth. Those qualities aren’t things we manufacture on our own. 

He’s the one who perfected us, and because of Him, we too have the fruit of the Spirit in us.

I realized that I didn't need to do the work of producing the fruit on my own. My job is simply to believe in the One who already did all these things perfectly. He’s the vine, we’re the branches, and as long as we’re connected to Him, the fruit will naturally grow in our lives.

It’s not about trying harder, it’s about trusting deeper.

When I accepted this into my heart, I began to see the fruit of the Spirit bleeding into every aspect of my life. I was more patient and understanding to those. I wouldn't get so angry towards people who didn't understand. I could actually humanize people for once in my life.

Jesus has already done the work. He’s the source of all goodness, righteousness, and truth. All we need to do is stay connected to Him, trust in His perfection, and let His Spirit work in and through us. Have you been trying to produce the fruit of the Spirit on your own? If so, lets let go of that burden and cling onto Jesus who is the true fruit. Lets hold onto the gospel that he preached which produces love, happiness, and truth. Amen!