Today, is a very important passage about spiritual growth: Galatians 5:22-23 … But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT) Think about this: If you begin to produce these Christ-like qualities, you are going to have a higher quality of life over-all. But then you will also begin to impact and attract others. Someone who is very peaceful in their spirit has a higher quality of life but also is more enjoyable to be around, right? Like ripe fruit on a tree, people can see it, touch it, and taste it.

This verse can be used as a literal litmus test from which we can evaluate our personal and spiritual growth. Here’s a very simple way to take an honest look at where you are at any given time in your life.

First, on a scale of 0 to 10, as best you can recall, rate where you were in these 9 qualities a year ago. Now, on the same scale, rate where you are today.

Grown a lot in love but struggling with joy? That’s okay. This could just show you where you need to keep praying and improving as you work to be obedient in the Lord. After all, these gifts of fruit will come from Him, not out of ourselves.

Last thought … if you really want an honest evaluation, ask one of your kids to rate you on these from 0 to 10, or maybe a trusted friend. Remember—the goal is never guilt but growth.

Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please grow me in these 9 fruit of Your Spirit for me to experience them inside my life, but to also reflect them toward others from You. As above, so below.”