The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

— Galatians 5:22-23

My mother used to advise me and my sisters to leave a place better than we found it.

What might that look like for followers of the good shepherd? What evidence might there be that one of Jesus’ sheep has been in the area? Paul, who wrote Galatians, lists some attributes and behaviors that ought to be noticeable in Jesus’ sheep.

As the Holy Spirit shepherds us from within, we grow to reflect the Spirit’s presence within us. We begin to radiate the character and attributes of Jesus. As he treats us with gentleness, patience, and kindness, these attributes begin to flow out from us to others. The goodness, love, and peace that we experience in his constant companionship overflow to others as well.

Jesus’ sheep are anointed and filled with the Holy Spirit and, as Psalm 23 puts it, our cups overflow. Anyone we meet can be a recipient, and everywhere we go can be a veritable splash zone of God’s goodness, which is so attractive that others want to share in it too. We need to pray that we reflect the Lord’s attributes faithfully, because we know we are still tempted to wander and to hoard and squander the goodness that the shepherd gives us.

Where is the Spirit inviting you to share his presence today?

Spirit of God, help us to bear your fruit as you work faithfully within us, aiming to bless others with Jesus’ love wherever we go. Amen.