If you have ever tried to work on patience then you know for sure, like I do, that the fruits of the Spirit are truly given to us by the Holy Spirit. It just isn’t in our own power. However, in Scripture it is very clear if we are not bearing fruit then we are not where we need to be as Christians.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:5-8
Fruit of The Spirit Inventory
Let’s do a quick inventory to see where you are (circle your assessment 1 = low, 5=high):
Love 1 2 3 4 5
Are you treating others as you would want to be treated? Are you interested in your employees, customers and vendors?
Joy 1 2 3 4 5
Do you enjoy your work? Do you have a sense of peace in your business that you are doing what you are meant to do? When others see you at work to they sense your contentment?
Peace 1 2 3 4 5
Do you tend to worry a lot about your business? Do others feel the impact of your worry? or Do you do what you need to do and give your concerns to God? Do you trust in His power and control, not your own?
Patience 1 2 3 4 5
Are you present in your work, in the here and now? Are you able to wait and see how things turn out or do you react or overreact? Do your words portray your patience or impatience.
Kindness 1 2 3 4 5
Do you treat customers, employees and vendors with respect? Do you go out of your way to show people your appreciation? Do you proactively provide for people as an act of kindness?
Goodness 1 2 3 4 5
Do you have a strong sense of Christian ethics and values? Are these ethics and values represented in your actions and decisions? Are these ethics and values a part of your organization’s culture?
Faithfulness 1 2 3 4 5
Are you faithfully following Christ in your entire life, including your business? Are you consistent in walking with God? Do you listen for God’s direction in your business? Do you act with obedience to God’s direction?
Gentleness 1 2 3 4 5
Do your customers, employees, and vendors see Christ in you? Are you calm and easy to talk to? Do your employees trust you and come to you? Do you have an open door policy?
Self-Control 1 2 3 4 5
Do you do what you say you are going to do? Do you carry out your roles and responsibilities timely, effectively, and consistently? Can people depend and rely on you? Is your yes, yes and your no, no?
Which fruits of the Spirit would you like to see stronger in yourself?
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Suggestion #1 Pray that the Holy Spirit would work on these areas with you. Pray daily or weekly asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any strongholds or sin that may keep you from growing fruit in this area.
Suggestion #2 Do a word study on the fruit you need more of in your life. For example, if you do a word study on patience, at www.biblegateway.com, you will find 17 references in the bible. Seeking and learning is one way to bear fruit.
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:8
“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
For more about living out your faith in your business, check out The Christian Business Edge guide.
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