What Kind of Fruit Falls Off Your Tree?

[Rita Hancock]

A while back, I heard a preacher talk about "the fruit of sin," and it got me thinking....

The Bible doesn’t talk about “the fruit of sin,” specifically. But if there's "fruit of the Spirit," there must also be fruit of sin. I suppose it would include conflict, bitterness, strife, envy, fear, anxiety, panic, shame, covetousness, deceitfulness, low self-esteem, self-hatred, perfectionism, lack of faith, comparisons and competition, lack of forgiveness, pride, lack of mercy, adultery, theft, wickedness, blasphemy, stress, strife, tension, anger, aggression, rage, murder, physical illness, and pain. But I'm just guessing.

In contrast, the Bible clearly defines the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, etc., and Galatians 5:23 talks about gentleness and self-control. And Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Did you catch the part about “clothe yourself with…”? That means intentionally choose compassion and kindness as an act of self-discipline, rather than arguing with people and escalating conflict. Throw ON the fruit of the spirit and throw OFF the fruit of sin.

When you repent from sin and choose to treat people patience and kindness, it increases your peace and joy and quenches the emotions that used to trigger you to eat food you don’t actually need.

So, what kind of fruit falls off your tree? Is there more love, joy, and peace, or is there more strife, panic, conflict and shame? If it’s the latter, for the sake of your good health (and your weight loss goals), throw the bad stuff out of your fruit bowl and focus on choosing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, instead.