Fruit in the Quiet

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” – Galatians 5:22-23 (NSFL)

We don’t usually notice growth while it’s happening.

Consider a tree. It doesn’t announce every new inch or stretch of branch. It simply stays rooted, draws in what it needs, and, given time, bears fruit.

That’s how the Holy Spirit works in us. Quietly. Faithfully. Often behind the scenes.

In Galatians 5, Paul describes what this growth looks like: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. What I find encouraging is that he refers to these qualities not as goals to achieve or commands to obey, but as fruit. That word changes everything. Fruit is something produced, not forced. It’s the natural result of being connected to the right source.

That’s good news, because most of us are deeply aware of our shortcomings. We speak too quickly. We react instead of reflect. We see our lack more than our growth.

But what if it’s less about an arrival and more about the process of who we are becoming along the way? Dallas Willard once said, “The most important thing about a person is not what they do. It’s who they become.”

The reality is: fruit takes time. It doesn’t show up the day after you plant the seed. And it certainly doesn’t grow under pressure or self-criticism. Fruit grows in response to connection.

In a culture that chases big, visible change, we often overlook the slow, steady work that actually lasts. The kind that happens one Spirit-led decision at a time. You may not notice it in the moment, but in being a little more patient today than you were yesterday. That’s growth. You may notice you’re choosing peace instead of panic. That’s fruit. It’s not always flashy or fast. But it’s real, it’s being faithful, and it lasts.

Jesus said in John 15:4, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” That’s the invitation. Not to try harder to perform, but to stay close. When we walk with Him day by day, the Spirit does the growing.

And the best part? We can trust that He’ll finish what He starts. Paul reminds us of that in Philippians 1:6: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished…” God isn’t rushed, but He is faithful. The growth may feel slow, but it’s never aimless. He’s forming something lasting. No thing or season is ever wasted in the Kingdom of God.

So if you’re feeling stuck or unsure today, remember: growth is happening. Be faithful in the season to which God has called you. Steward what He has placed in your hands. Something is being formed in you when no one’s watching. The fruit of the Spirit is proof of His presence, and He will be faithful to complete the work He’s begun in you and in your family.

REFLECT:
Where have you seen signs of the Holy Spirit’s fruit in your life lately?
Are there areas where you’ve been chasing quick results instead of trusting in the slow work of the Holy Spirit?

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!