The Fruits with the Gifts

The Gifts of The Spirit which are things from and for God which He gives to believers to help minister and equip others, should always be accompanied by the fruits of the Spirit. This may seem obvious to many, but it needs restating. It is great to move powerfully in one or more of the gifts of the Spirit. I personally move in prophecy, and have developed this gift by using it over time. But if my life is not bearing the fruits of the Spirit as well, I am imbalanced and not maturing in Him. He wants us to reflect His attributes as well as use His Gifts.

Paul is so overt about this that it doesn't need restating. But how it plays out is essential for us as we grow into and under the headship of Christ. If a person with an apostolic anointing is not growing in love, kindness, gentleness, generosity etc, they need to be. It is simple wisdom to know that Christ wants to be Lord over not just His gifts He has given you but your entire life, and form Himself in the whole of you.

So we should be growing-all of us in "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control"(Galatians5:22). For it is by our fruit, as Our Lord taught, that we will be known. He goes on to teach in that same passage, that many who have prophesied in His name are not of Him. And the way to tell is by the fruit they bear. (Matthew 7:15-23) This is how He says you distinguish a true from a false prophet. "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." (Matt. 7:20). So we need to be bearing good fruit no matter what gifts of His we walk in.

It is a great warning to anyone who thinks they are called to minister. Are you coupling your giftings with good fruit in every area of your life? We need to focus on bearing the Fruits as much as carrying the Gifts.

Help me lord not just to use Your gifts - not just to move proficiently in the prophetic, but Lord that I would bear Your Fruit.

Jesus said, "..but I chose you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last." (John 15:16) It doesn't matter how far you go in your giftings if you are not bearing these fruits that last, it is futile. Lord instill Your fruits in us, so that we can better carry Your Gifts.

Derek