How can we bear the fruit of the Spirit in a world filled with brokenness? Discover how love, joy, peace, and kindness can reflect Jesus in every situation.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
Links and Downloads
Watch the video of this teaching at https://www.celllifechurch.tv/bearing-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-in-a-broken-world/ or on our YouTube channel.
Introduction
Welcome back to Living Mirrors: Reflecting Jesus in Everyday Life. In our first message, we learned that reflecting Christ begins with our thoughts and words. When our minds and speech align with God’s truth, we become clearer reflections of Jesus to the world.
In the second message, we discussed how acts of love illuminate Christ’s light. Simple gestures of kindness and service allow people to see Jesus through our actions, especially in a world desperate for compassion.
Today, we are moving forward to explore how we can bear the fruit of the Spirit in a broken world. These fruits; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are not just qualities we strive for. They are reflections of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. In the next episode, we will learn about walking in step with the Holy Spirit, but today, we are focusing on bearing fruit that reflects Jesus.
Cultivating Love and Joy Amidst Brokenness
Galatians 5:22-23 says:
Galatians 5:22-23
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
These fruits become the natural byproducts of a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. In a world filled with pain and negativity, love and joy can stand out as powerful reflections of Christ’s character.
Love and joy are especially impactful when expressed in broken or difficult situations. Jesus speaks of this in John 15:9-11, saying,
John 15:9-11
(9) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (10) If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. (11) I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Just as a tree draws water from deep underground to survive a drought, we draw on the wellspring of Christ’s love and joy to sustain us in difficult times. Our love and joy aren’t dependent on favorable circumstances but are rooted in our relationship with Christ.
In difficult times, how can you choose to love, and how can you find joy? It’s important to understand that love is more than just a feeling; it is a decision to act for the good of others. Joy, similarly, comes from knowing that God is in control, even when life feels chaotic. When we choose to love those who are difficult to love and find joy in adversity, we mirror Jesus.
This week, make an intentional choice to show love in a difficult relationship or situation. Perhaps it is extending kindness to someone you disagree with or being patient with a family member who frustrates you. Additionally, find a source of joy in the middle of a challenge, whether it is through gratitude or simply resting in God’s promises. Journal these moments and reflect on how they change your outlook and impact others.
Embracing Peace and Patience in Times of Struggle
In Philippians 4:6-7, we are reminded:
Philippians 4:6-7
(6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace and patience are key markers of the Holy Spirit’s presence, and they often shine brightest in times of struggle.
True peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of God in the midst of chaos. Isaiah 26:3 says:
Isaiah 26:3
(3) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
This peace transcends our understanding because it is not based on circumstances but on our trust in God. When we cultivate God’s peace, it not only calms our own hearts but also creates an atmosphere of peace for those around us. Patience, meanwhile, is the ability to endure hardships with a steadfast heart, waiting on God’s timing rather than our own.
Ask yourself, “Am I truly trusting God with my struggles, or am I trying to control the outcome?” Peace is often a byproduct of surrendering our worries to God, while patience reflects our willingness to wait for His timing. In situations that are stressful or frustrating, pause and reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past as a way to center your heart in His peace.
This week, when you feel anxious or impatient, take a moment to stop and pray. Surrender the situation to God, asking for His peace and patience. Write down the situations you have prayed over and record how you feel afterward. Over time, you will notice the peace and patience of the Spirit growing as you practice letting go of control.
Demonstrating Kindness and Goodness in a Harsh World
In Ephesians 4:32, the Apostle Paul writes:
Ephesians 4:32
(32) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Kindness and goodness are qualities that have the power to soften hearts and build bridges in a world where harshness and division are common.
Kindness is more than just being polite; it’s about reflecting the heart of God to others. Romans 2:4 tells us that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. When we are kind, we reveal the same grace that God shows to us. Goodness, similarly, involves doing what is right, even when it is difficult. Micah 6:8 challenges us: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” These qualities draw people to Christ by showing them His love in action.
Think about how you can show kindness and goodness to someone in your life who might not deserve it. Whether it is offering forgiveness or extending grace to someone who has wronged you, these actions reveal the heart of Jesus to a watching world.
Identify one person this week who needs an extra measure of kindness or goodness from you. It could be a co-worker, neighbor, or family member. Plan out an intentional act of kindness, whether it is a word of encouragement, helping with a task, or simply being there to listen. Afterward, reflect on how these actions impacted your relationship with that person.
Conclusion
Bearing the fruit of the Spirit is not about striving to be a better person on our own. It is about surrendering to the work of the Holy Spirit and reflecting the character of Christ in a world that desperately needs Him. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness are the visible evidence of God’s transformative power in our lives. As we cultivate these fruits, we become living mirrors of Jesus, reflecting His light in the brokenness around us.
In our next message, we’ll go deeper by learning how to walk in step with the Holy Spirit every day, so that these fruits become the natural outflow of our relationship with God. But for now, let’s commit to bearing fruit that reflects Christ in all we do.
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