I am discovering, albeit slowly, these fruits are something one does NOT self-manifest by works alone but rather grow (thus the fruit name) by abiding in God’s presence, as a branch does connected to a tree 🌳 (per John 15).

Our job is to fasten ourselves deeply by the spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting, study, mediation, worship and service). This is like caring for, fertilizing and watering 💦 the growing tree 🌳 which these fruits 🍎 bud from. Bear in mind there are seasons of weather which can inhibit fruit growth and all good things take time. Some trees produce faster than others. Patience is a virtue.

Tasty fruit has its enemies thus we need to clear our mind and heart from insects 🐞 and varmints 🐇 (sins) that corrupt and steal our fruit 🍊 prior to harvest.

With these fruits 🍌 usually manifest in due time, the Spirit moves in mysterious ways. Even when the fruit may be lacking, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf for God Himself is love. He rewards those who seek Him, the Giver aka God the Gardener, not merely the gifts. Yes, we vines are called to have a relationship with the great Gardener 🧑‍🌾.

As Paul so elequently wrote in 1 Cor. 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth.”

Apart from our relationship and God’s will, we have NO spiritual power. “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Cor. 3:7.