“I used to think the fruit of the Spirit was a checklist I could never live up to. But when I started chewing on God’s love, I began to see real changes—more patience, more kindness, more peace—growing in me from the inside out.”
Why the Fruit of the Spirit Can Feel Out of Reach
We all want to be more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, and self-controlled. But just trying harder to “be good” rarely works for long. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t about willpower—it’s about what grows naturally when you stay connected to God’s love and truth. When you CHEW on His Word, the Spirit does the work of transformation in you.
How to CHEW for Real Spiritual Fruit
1. Confess—Admit Where You’re Struggling to Grow
- “God, I want to be more patient (or loving, joyful, peaceful…), but I keep falling short.”
- “I feel stuck in old habits and reactions.”
- Brief Prayer: “Lord, I bring You my weakness. Grow Your fruit in me by Your Spirit.”
2. Hear—Let God’s Word Speak Growth Over You
- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
- “Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” (John 15:4)
- “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)
- Brief Prayer: “Holy Spirit, remind me that You are the One who brings growth and change.”
3. Exchange—Chew on a Fruit-Filled Question
- “If I really believed the Spirit is at work in me, how would that change the way I respond to frustration or temptation?”
- “If I really believed God’s love is the source of my patience (or kindness, or self-control), how would that change my next interaction?”
- “If I really believed growth is a process, not perfection, how would that change my expectations for today?”
- Brief Prayer: “Jesus, help me trust Your Spirit to grow real fruit in my life.”
4. Walk—Practice Staying Connected to the Vine
- Pause when you notice impatience, anger, or discouragement. Pray your chew question.
- Celebrate even small signs of growth—thank God for one moment of patience, kindness, or self-control.
- Ask a friend or family member where they’ve seen spiritual fruit in you and encourage each other.
- Choose one fruit to focus on today and ask God to grow it in you.
- Brief Prayer: “Father, help me stay close to You and let Your Spirit bear fruit in my life.”
Mini Story
“I used to get frustrated with myself for not being more patient with my kids. But as I started chewing on John 15:4—“Remain in Me”—I stopped trying to force patience and started asking God to grow it in me. Over time, I noticed I was less reactive and more gentle, even in chaos. The fruit didn’t come overnight, but it was real—and it was God’s work, not mine.”
Continue Your Journey: Real Fruit, Real Life
Today, let your CHEW practice focus on experiencing the fruit of the Spirit.
Pause at least three times—when you’re tested, when you succeed, and when you struggle.
Write down or share one way you saw God’s fruit growing in you today.
Invite a friend or family member to join you, and encourage each other to look for spiritual fruit in your daily lives.
Ready for more?
Keep going with the next blog in the series: “Running to God After You Fall—Grace for Every Setback.”
Learn how God’s love welcomes you back and empowers you to start again, no matter how many times you stumble. To visit our previous blog, see here.
Transparency Note: This series is crafted in collaboration with advanced AI tools and thoughtfully finalized by the 1st Principle Group staff to ensure biblical faithfulness and practical relevance for our readers.
