By Tarsha R. Gunn
In John 15:5, Jesus reminds us: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” These words anchor us in the truth that our strength, peace, and hope come from abiding in Him.
The Apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not just words on a page; they are the evidence of God’s presence in our daily lives. When cultivated, they shape how we respond to trials, love others, and even love ourselves.
I often wonder: how many of us are acting as “fruit inspectors”? In the natural sense, fruit inspectors examine produce for quality and safety. But spiritually, we are called to examine what is growing in our lives. Is love flourishing? Is patience deepening? Is self-control taking root? These are questions worth asking ourselves regularly.
There is a treasure within each of us that God longs to reveal. Yet, so often, we guard the delicate places of our hearts, afraid to let God touch them because of past pain or broken trust. Scripture reminds us to guard our hearts, not in fear, but in wisdom, recognizing that not everyone is meant to have access to our most sacred places.
This season may be calling us to surrender. Sometimes, God asks us to step into quiet healing, away from announcements and approval. It is in these sacred, hidden spaces that He downloads wisdom, strengthens us for battles unseen, and restores what we thought was lost.
The peace of God is unlike anything the world offers. It whispers into the chambers of our hearts, removing what does not belong, and guarding us when emotions feel overwhelming. Healing is not always comfortable; it can stir up buried feelings and make us feel fragile. But even in those moments, God reassures us: “You are not alone. The battle is not yours. It’s Mine.”
Prayer, then, becomes more than a routine. It transforms into a relationship, an abiding connection with God that changes us from the inside out. As we remain in Him, we begin to see that His plans truly are for our good. His love carries us through dark hours and reminds us of a hopeful future.
Billy Graham once said, “To love deeply is beautiful, but to love wisely is powerful.” May we embrace both as we walk forward.
So, I want to encourage you: pause and inspect the fruit in your own life. Lean into God’s peace. Trust His love. And remember that His love never fails; it will always sustain you.