Gifts and Fruit

 I have a beautiful mixed-breed dog—a Shepherd and Rottweiler cross—named Meyer. I take good care of her and recently decided to buy her a lovely collar. It was a gift, a token of affection. Yet, no matter how adorned she is, she remains a dog.

The Bible says, “Do not give what is holy to dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matthew 7:6, NKJV). This reminds us that gifts can be misplaced or misused if not matched with value. Gifts are often given out of favor, not merit. But true value lies not in what is given to us, but in who we are.

The real measure of a person is not the gifts they receive or display, but the quality of their character. As Scripture teaches, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16, NKJV). In our spiritual walk with God, He may graciously adorn our lives with various gifts. However, what He earnestly desires is the development of Christlike character—what the Bible refers to as the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit reflects the very nature of our Father in heaven.

Several years ago, a younger ministerial friend invited me to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, to minister to selected families. I traveled from Lagos and arrived safely. After resting, our mission began. The Lord moved mightily—lives were touched, families were restored, and souls were saved. I was humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve. I spent about five days in the city.

One afternoon before I was due to return, my host and I were watching television when a mild disagreement arose. In the heat of the moment, my friend spoke to me disrespectfully. I was deeply hurt and disappointed. I began to regret making the trip. After the argument, I went to take a shower, still angry and unsettled.

While in the bathroom, I heard the Spirit whisper: “Do you know the difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit?” He continued, “Gifts can be given to anyone as adornments. But fruit—that is My true character formed in a person.” Then came a gentle challenge: “If you are truly mature in the Spirit, after your bath, go and apologize to that young man. Not because you were wrong, but because you have grown.”

After my shower, I went to him and apologized. He was touched, but I felt even more at peace. I had obeyed the Lord and demonstrated maturity.

Beloved, God does not measure our worth by the spiritual gifts we possess, but by the fruit we bear. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23, NIV). While we are encouraged to earnestly desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31), it is far more profitable to cultivate the fruit of righteousness.

As the Apostle Paul writes: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1, NIV).

May we be a people not only gifted, but fruitful—reflecting the heart and character of our heavenly Father.

#fruitofthespirit #GiftsoftheSpirit #spiritualgrowth