This week, I was invited to lead an intimate group teaching on the Fruit of the Spirit. I had mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I was excited because this has been a key scripture for me for about three years. I have studied the Fruit and understand their meanings well, so I can definitely teach about them contextually.
However, one of my biggest fears in life is becoming a false teacher. I take that responsibility seriously, especially since I understand that teachers will be judged harshly within the Kingdom of God. The Devil is always looking to manipulate our interpretation of scripture and how we guide those who are learning from us. A single instance of false teaching can have a detrimental ripple effect, so I don’t take this task lightly.
With my studies, I strive to instruct not only through my words but also through my actions. However, I recognize that I am not perfect in applying these principles and that I still struggle with them at times. There are moments when my flesh wins out, and I have to repent for it.
As I prepared, God revealed some things to me that I wanted to share.
God’s Will
As I re-studied each fruit, I found myself with questions. I understand that fruit cannot be fabricated; it can only be produced through the Holy Spirit. Interestingly, during my week of preparation, I was graced to overcome all fleshly temptation.
This puzzled me to the point where I found myself constantly reflecting on my past, telling myself, “I am not good at this, and eventually, this grace will run out.” I feared that I would revert to the same unhealthy coping mechanisms due to my lack of self-control. I imagined that stress would creep in, disrupting my peace. In time, aggression would take over, and the gentleness I strive for would succumb to the tension in my heart.
I even asked God, “Is this me forcing the fruit to bear, or is it you?” And God simply responded, “You need to give my Spirit more credit.”
Naturally, I had even more questions afterward.
However, God made it clear to me.
Toward the end of my study, I was watching a video that mentioned the Parable of the Growing Seed in Mark 4:26-29.
The parable illustrates how a farmer scatters seeds, and they grow without the farmer needing to intervene or fully understand the process. The only responsibility of the farmer is to sow the seeds, while the earth takes care of the rest. The earth nurtures the seeds and produces crops on its own until they reach maturity at the proper time.
If I refer to the Parable of the Sower mentioned earlier in the same Bible chapter, the seed represents the word of God, and the soil represents the hearts of all who will hear it. The Farmer represents people sharing the word of Jesus.
So what does this mean?
God is sovereign.
I cannot rush the seed’s ability to bear good fruit on my own timeline. If I try to do so, it will only result in immaturity and knowledge without wisdom. Even when the timing feels slow or confusing, the seed is still growing. The way things develop within us is solely up to God. It’s a mystery; we can’t pinpoint it. It simply just happens.
God alone knows the perfect time to gather His harvest and how everything will most glorify Him.
This passage truly explained to me the sovereign grace that God has in my life. Despite my week of studying, God remained sovereign over my tense feelings about the subject. He understood that the Devil would attempt to shame me for my past, and He allowed it to happen. But instead of shame getting the victory, God knew it would prompt me to ask more questions, leading to even greater wisdom.
Once again, the seed of Jesus continues to grow.
There will still be occasional setbacks along the way. Sanctification is a lifelong journey in Christ, and mistakes are bound to happen. However, it’s important not to let a single mistake lead you to step back completely. One mistake does not mean that God has taken His hand off you; it simply reflects the fact that we are both spirit and flesh. Therefore, there will be a constant battle. However, as long as you continue to feel conviction, the seed is still mysteriously growing.
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7
Seeds of Love
Love is the expression of Jesus’s truth through our words and actions. It is sacrificial and unconditional. I want to emphasize that the Parable demonstrates that love is not defined by our (a human’s) constant presence; rather, it is defined by surrendering our faith to Jesus and acting in accordance with that faith.
God may intend for us to have long seasons with someone, or very brief ones. This could involve years of meaningful conversations and deeds or just a single word exchanged. There may also be times without any direct interaction, where all we are called to do is pray for them.
This is why we need to use wisdom in how long and closely we are called to walk with someone, so that we don’t interfere with what God is doing in their lives.
Once again, it is God who does the work while we simply remain obedient.
Even as I acknowledge God’s sovereign hand in my life, I must also recognize it in others.
I don’t need to worry about how and when the seed grows in someone else. We know that God can change things in an instant. So, if it is God’s will for it to take 2 seconds or 20 years, that is His choice.
All I need to do is trust, believe, and hope.
I continue to trust and remain hopeful that God’s will will be accomplished, regardless of my presence. Whether it seems like nothing is happening or things emerge quickly, whether it appears to be taking too long or moves in swift cycles of ascent and descent, I believe that God’s plan will unfold.
All I can do is continuously love, pray, scatter seeds of truth, and show others grace.
The Holy Spirit has been softening our hearts to accept Jesus from the beginning, and He continues to work in us afterward. His influence and the way He nurtures the seeds within us are what shape us to be perfect and complete.
Let Him do the work.
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