The Put God First Challenge

Day 16: The Fruit of the Spirit

John 17

Colossians 1

Matthew 12

2 Peter 3

Day 16: The Fruit of the Spirit

Father,

I desire to reflect Your character, but I know I can’t do it in my strength. Your Word tells me that the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be evident in my life (Galatians 5:22-23). Yet I often fall short. Instead of love, I can be impatient. Instead of joy, I can be discouraged. Instead of peace, I can be anxious. Lord, prune away anything in me that does not reflect You.

Jesus, You said that apart from You, I can do nothing (John 15:4-5). I don’t want to rely on my efforts to produce fruit—I want to remain in You. Teach me to abide in Your presence daily so that my life overflows with the evidence of Your Spirit. Help me clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). May these qualities shape how I love and serve others.

I know that spiritual growth is a process. Your Word says to make every effort to add goodness to my faith, knowledge to goodness, self-control to knowledge, perseverance to self-control, godliness to perseverance, and love to godliness (2 Peter 1:5-7). I ask that You continue maturing me in these areas so that my life will be effective and fruitful. Help me not to grow weary in doing good, knowing that in due time, I will reap a harvest if I do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

Lord, help me recognize that true fruit comes from the transformation of my heart, not just outward actions. Jesus said that a good tree bears good fruit and that we will be recognized by our fruit (Matthew 7:16-20). I want my life to reflect Your goodness, not for my own reputation, but for Your glory. Change my desires so that I seek the things of the Spirit rather than the things of the flesh (Romans 8:5-6).

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for working in me. Continue to cultivate love where there is selfishness, joy where there is discouragement, and peace where there is anxiety. May my life be a light, shining with the goodness, righteousness, and truth that come from You (Ephesians 5:8-10). Let my heart and actions reflect the reality that I belong to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.