Good Fruit Grows From Freedom

What does freedom have to do with fruit?

Anything? Everything? 

The Bible, depending on the translation, has over 240 mentions about fruit, good fruit and bad fruit. And Jesus has many illustrations using fruit, especially in Matthew 7, because people know about fruit. 

Most followers of Jesus have heard of the fruit of the Spirit on Galatians 5. I encourage you to read the full chapter here.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is [singular, they all begin in the Holy Spirit]: 

love,

 joy, 

peace, 

patience, 

kindness, 

goodness, 

faithfulness,

gentleness, 

self-control”

This spiritual fruit is truly ours only when we are free.

Why?

Because when are not operating from a position of freedom, we are operating from a position of fear. Fear takes us to a very different list of bad fruit that enslaves us when we take matters in to own hands. Galatians 5:19-21

Transformation from “fear fruit to freedom fruit,” is not achieved by our effort. As we grow in our relationship with the only source of perfect love, good fruit grows.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 

For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 1 John 4:19-18

Love is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Freedom from fear encourages good fruit to grow. So, how do we Shift to Love and the full fruit? We lean into the truth:

 ^“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:20

As we begin experiencing this perfect Love from God, we begin to shake free from fear. 

Walking in increasing freedom produces more good fruit when we turn to the LORD, holding Him in sight.

“ But when one^[c] turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 

Now the Lord^[d] is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,^[e] 

are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.^[f] 

For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:16-18

We have a standing invitation to cooperate with the freedom of the Lord

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

Abba, I choose You and Your perfect love. I turn from the slavery of fear, setting my gaze on You. Show me how to forgive myself and others, releasing all to You, which opens the doors for my freedom.  Thank You in advance for the ever growing measure of good fruit. AMEN