Got fruit? This time of year is one of my favorite seasons because fresh fruit is so prevalent. This spring we have gone through several basket loads of fresh strawberries and since we live in the Carolinas we will soon be eating our fill of South Carolina Peaches. Our mouth waters as just the thought of those sweet juicy peaches tantalizing our taste buds with their signature taste. Though fruit is in season, tangible fruit is not what our focus will be on in this month’s box. It will be focused on fruit we cannot necessarily feel or touch, but experience in the every day interactions we have with loved ones, extended family, neighbors and friends. These fruits are called the Fruits of the Spirit. These fruits are the outward expression of how God is changing us from the inside out once we commit our lives to follow Him. These fruits can be found in Galatians 5:23-25, “The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.” Are your branches bearing fruit?

As I write this today, I am at one of my favorite mountain escapes. It is a place steeped in prayer as many have gathered to pray here for those who set foot on these grounds to walk more closely with the Lord. This is my prayer for your family as well. As the cool mountain breeze blows past me, I feel at peace. I have asked the Lord to speak through me as I write to you today, because it is my sincere prayer that this will not be just an experience your family has together this month, but it will be life-changing as this particular passage has been for me as well.

Paul shared with the church in Colosse his prayer for them in the opening of his letter we refer to as Colossians. He said, “We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might…” (Colossians 1:9-11).

This passage is always before me as I pray it daily over my life and the life of my teens. The words “live a life worthy of the Lord” penetrates my heart as I contemplate all Jesus did for me. Can I ever live my life to be worthy of all He has done for me? Every day this is my prayer as I strive to honor Him. Paul continues to exhort the believers to “bear fruit”. As the Holy Spirit begins to work in our lives, He changes us from the inside out. The “fruits of the spirit” are an indication of what God is doing within our lives. The fruit on a tree reveals the type of tree which was planted. We wouldn’t expect a lemon tree to bear apples, would we? The fruit of a believer’s life should reflect Christ. As followers of Jesus, people should begin to see fruits like “patience, kindness, gentleness, joy, self-control, love, peace, and goodness.” (Galatians 5:23-25).

I love the theme for this month, because a Ninja works hard to perfect their skills. It takes about three years to master the skill of being a ninja. They are very intentional and go through specific training over the three-year period. To reflect the “Fruits of the Spirit” requires intentionally spending time in God’s Word, listening to Christian music, and spending time in worship and prayer. Our natural inclination is to be quite the opposite of the “Fruits of the Spirit”. We can tell God is changing us from the inside out when we choose to respond in ways that reflect the “fruits” listed above.

It’s time to rouse your inner Ninja and intentionally focus this month on understanding the “Fruits of the Spirit”. This month ask God to open your eyes to how you can live this passage out in your home; as you drive down the road; and as you spend time with friends.