Fruit of the Spirit

April 29, 2023

As followers of Jesus, we are called to bear spiritual fruit. In a way, Jesus says, you can do this like a carefully tended vine will bear fruit for a gardener—and this will be for his Father’s glory. Like the branches of a vine, we cannot bear fruit on our own, but if we stay connected to Jesus, his life will remain in us, and we will continue to bear fruit (John 15:1-8).

This month we will focus on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Through the Holy Spirit, who keeps us connected to the life-giving love of Christ, we are able to produce fruit that glorifies God in all kinds of ways—and in an abundance that we could not imagine. And as our lives become more fruitful, we are drawn into sweeter communion with our amazing, triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

May’s author, George Koopmans, has served as an ecumenical chaplain at Medicine Hat College in Medicine Hat, Alberta, since November 2021. Prior to entering into chaplaincy, George served as a pastor to two congregations—one in Minnesota (Luverne), and the other in Medicine Hat. George and his wife, Emily, have four adult daughters and three grandchildren. Hiking, biking, and birdwatching are his favorite hobbies.

As you read the Today devotions this month, may you be refreshed, refocused, and renewed in God’s Word!

Begin with day one of Fruit of the Spirit here or download the full PDF.

About the author — Kurt Selles

Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.