He Refreshes My Soul | Why Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit Matters

God is a gardener, not just of creation but of people. He does everything a human gardener does for their own plants for us, wanting to see us be vital, healthy, and strong, and a healthy plant bears fruit. The series we’re in is about the wholeness that comes from being connected to the life-giving vine of Jesus, and Scripture tells us wholeness includes bearing fruit. Fruit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness or faith, hope, and more. These are supposed to make up the character and virtue of a Christian.

In this sermon Pastor Joel digs into this idea further. How does it grow? Why does it matter practically? What fruit are we to look for? How do we not just be content with the buds the Holy Spirit gives us but also become gardeners in ourselves to help the fruit grow strong? And why does this matter in a world that often sees unChristlike fruit grow from those who follow him?