THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22 - 23 Hebrew Word: י ִרְפּ Periy (Fruit) Imagine a vast vineyard, lush and full of vines heavy with fruit. Each vine has been carefully cultivated, tended to by a wise and patient gardener who knows that, over time, the branches will bear the best fruit. This is the picture Paul paints in Galatians 5:22-23 when he describes the "fruit of the Spirit." The Hebrew word "periy" means fruit or produce, but it goes beyond that. "Periy" speaks to the idea of the fruit as the outcome of a process, the result of nurturing and care. Like the branches in a vineyard, your life is connected to God through the Holy Spirit. The more you are connected to Him, the more your life produces the "periy" of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But just like fruit in a vineyard, these qualities don’t grow overnight. They are the result of walking with God daily, allowing His Spirit to work within you, shaping and nurturing your heart to reflect His character. The hidden treasure in "periy" is found in the process of cultivation. Just as fruit doesn’t appear overnight, the qualities of the Spirit take time to develop as we grow in relationship with God. The treasure here is in the understanding that God is patient with you, tending to your spiritual growth with care. Every season of your life—whether joyful or challenging—contributes to the growth of the Spirit’s fruit in you. The key is to stay connected to the source, allowing the Holy Spirit to produce lasting change. This perspective transforms how we view our spiritual journey: it's not about instant results, but about daily growth that bears eternal fruit. Reflection: Think about your own life. What fruit are you producing? Which of the "periy" of the Spirit do you feel God is cultivating in you right now? Action Step: Today, take a walk or sit in a quiet place and reflect on the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Consider where God may be growing new fruit or strengthening what is already there. Pray and ask for His guidance in producing fruit that glorifies Him.