Fruit versus gifts. Fruit is something that inevitably appears on a healthy tree. Gifts, however, are freely and unconditionally given regardless of the ability of the receiver to use them well. This should tipped us off as to the Kingdom value placed on the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
It isn’t that the ‘gifts’ are unimportant (far from it) it’s just that they are nowhere near as significant as the ‘fruit’. So rather than focusing on “is my ministry growing” or “is my anointing increasing”, let’s be asking “am I kinder”, “do I bring peace” or “am I wiser”. We bless our world, glorify Jesus and find true fulfillment so much more when we are bearing fruit. The exercising of gifts and ministry from a “fruit filled life” is much healthier for us, but even more so for others!
Have you chased after and cultivated gifts at the expense of the fruit? Ask which fruits He would like to cultivate in you and how you can collaborate with that practically.
Listen, I’m really not diminishing or relegating the gifts. We need to mature and exercise them more than ever before. Gifts like wisdom, discernment and prophecy are essential for what lies ahead as we learn to live much more in the supernatural.
What matters, however, is that the fruit are of much greater significance and consequence. Part of the current realigning that God is asking of us is to highly prize and “grow: the following: Divine love expressed. Joy that overflows. Peace that subdues. Patience that endures. Kindness in action. Faith that prevails. Along with a kind and gentle heart and a strong spirit.
Take time to consider if your focus on fruit and if your exercise of the gifts is in sync with His heart. The growth of fruit is measurable and visible. Let’s be honest and real about the quantity and quality of fruit in your life.
