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Farmers know that to produce bountiful harvests, they have to prepare the soil, plant good seeds, water them, and then wait patiently for the crops to grow. They know they will reap whatever they plant. That same principle holds in the spiritual realm, when it comes to producing the fruit God wants from us. In John chapter 15, Jesus explains how union with Him–the Vine–enables us to bear fruit that brings great glory to His Father. God’s Spirit within us enables us to bear God-pleasing fruit. The Apostle Paul expands on this further in Galatians chapter 5. He tells believers how to live up to the demands of the Law. He says, “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” He says the Holy Spirit in us produces this kind of fruit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” He says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” So to live a God-pleasing life that enables us to get along with each other, we should submit ourselves to God’s Holy Spirit who lives inside of believers. He will help us reproduce the character of Christ—fruit that pleases God.
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