By: Elaina Simpson, C.S.
What is the fruit of the Spirit and how is it a law? Looking to the Bible, we find the answer to these questions!
As the direct image and likeness of Spirit, we naturally reflect the above fruits of the Spirit. In the study of Christian Science, we find this is a spiritual law that's already in place. We don't have to work to get these fruits of the Spirit, but we just have to pray to know that these are already gifts that God has given each one of us. We see this as we learn more about our true spiritual nature and how Love created us. Applying these ideas or fruits in prayer, we see that it is natural to demonstrate that which is our true nature, how Love created us all. We are able to impart these qualities because God, Good is our only creator. In keeping with the example of fruit, Mary Baker Eddy writes: "The tree and herb do not yield fruit because of any propagating power of their own, but because they reflect the Mind which includes all." (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 507:18–21) Similarly, these fruitful qualities we express originate from God, Mind 'which includes all.' So, we each express these qualities according to spiritual law, because we are made by Mind, and at one with our Creator. Knowing this fact, we must naturally bear the fruit of that understanding in our thought and therefore, our experience. Here is the context of Apostle Paul's writing. Underlines are my own:
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
(Galatians, the Holy Bible also quoted in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy 106:20)
Cherishing these fruitful qualities in thought, speech and action, we are better healers. Mrs. Eddy writes, "To mortal sense Christian Science seems abstract, but the process is simple and the results are sure if the Science is understood. The tree must be good, which produces good fruit. Guided by divine Truth and not guesswork, the theologus (that is, the student — the Christian and scientific expounder — of the divine law) treats disease with more certain results than any other healer on the globe."
(SH 459:24)
I've found it helps to consider one "fruit of the Spirit" daily, to pray on it and ask Love more about that quality in prayer. It's a constant prayer. I invite you all to do this with me this week. For example, it's fun to spend a day prayerfully contemplating joy and what that is in God, or taking a day to challenge yourself to see your divine gentleness. Have a great evening,
Elaina
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