A BEAUTIFUL CHARACTER

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
 
Galatians 5:22-26
 
That sweet, firm peach that you select at the grocery store did not start like that. It did not instantly appear in its final form. There was a period of growth and development, hanging from the branch of the tree. What started as the bud of the peach blossom had to experience some change before becoming the fruit we enjoy.
 
As infants, our character also required development. The same is true for our Christian character. The believer doesn’t instantly have mature fruits of the Spirit. Our love, joy, peace, etc. must develop. The Holy Spirit works on us in this process. I can remember my quick temper as a youth. While I still lose it on occasion, it is not like it used to be. The Holy Spirit is continually helping develop self-control.
 
As the Spirit works on your fruit, never forget how necessary it is to remain on the vine. Jesus said, ““Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5. Our development of a beautiful character is dependent upon the vine (Jesus) as the source and the one who tends the vineyard (the Holy Spirit) as the controlling helper.