It seems like almost overnight the trees have started to bud and plants are pushing up through the soil—spring is here, and gardening season is in full swing!

Now picture this: you’re holding two seeds, but you can only plant one. One grows quickly and with little effort, but it produces fruit that’s bitter and ugly. The other takes time, care, and consistent attention—but it grows into something beautiful and delicious. Which one would you choose to plant, nurture, and grow?

In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul talks about two kinds of fruit that our lives can produce: the fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. When Paul refers to “the flesh,” he’s talking about the desires and impulses that pull us away from God—things like bitterness, impatience, selfishness, chaos, and self-indulgence. These things may come naturally, but they don’t lead to the kind of life God wants for us.

But here’s the good news: when we belong to Jesus, He gives us His Holy Spirit. And with the Spirit’s help, we can begin to say “no” to those harmful patterns and “yes” to the kind of life that reflects God’s character.

Paul writes:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
—Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)

The Spirit empowers us to choose love over hate, peace over chaos, patience over frustration. Instead of reacting in our own strength, we begin to respond with grace and self-control.

The fruit we produce tells a story. It shows whether we’re following the pull of the flesh or being led by the Spirit.

Take a moment to reflect: what kind of fruit is growing in your life right now? Are you seeing signs of love, joy, and kindness—or do you notice bitterness, anger, or selfishness taking root?

Ask the Holy Spirit to gently show you what needs to be cleared away. Then let God do the transforming work—shaping your heart, your mindset, and your actions so you can grow the kind of fruit that blesses you and everyone around you.