Bearing Good Fruit - Integration of our Inner & Outer Life

As I continue to reflect on true discipleship this week, it seems clear that integration of our inner and outer lives would be a goal- that we would receive the Holy Spirit and then give that to others. Although I never thought of the 'fruits of the spirit' in this way before, the image now becomes more powerful to me. Many of us are probably familiar with the faith/works debate... and we seek to find the middle ground where our faith is present in our actions but also deep in our souls. [Enter fruit tree]

Consider the mango tree. No one could miss its fruit when it's in season... the fruit high in the trees, the bright oranges and yellows against the greens of the leaves. You can certainly see it. But, there was something that had to happen beforehand in order for the tree to bear that fruit. The inside of the tree prepared itself to bear fruit, through the right water, soil and sunshine.

So, Galatians 5:22-26 becomes all the more meaningful to me....

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. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

When thinking about the image of a fruit tree, this fruit of the spirit similarly is something that begins deep within our souls. We need living water; we need to be grounded in the word; and we need communion with the Son (our Lord and savior) to bear beautiful, nourishing fruit. So, the fruit of the Spirit is from the Spirit (inner), but it is something which shows on our branches... offering the Truth to others.

Mother Teresa said it this way in "Words to Love By":

Just allow people to see Jesus in you

to see how you pray

to see how you lead a pure life

to see how you deal with your family

to see how much peace there is in your family.

Then you can look straight into their eyes and say, "This is the way."

You speak from life, you speak from experience.

This suggests that we must first have an active prayer life, purity of thought, a peaceful family... and all of those come from the fruits of the Spirit. And if we are running a little dry, we only need to seek. For "when you seek, you will find when you seek with all your heart".

I'm so thankful today for the many people who are 'bearing their fruit' to all the people who are still without power or with flooded streets on the east coast. I pray that everyone who was affected by Irene may feel the many prayers lifted up on their behalf and find the outstretched arms that they need in this difficult time.