Fruit Bearers

What does it truly mean to be a fruit bearer in our Christian walk? This teaching by Steve Hoese on Wednesday, July 15th 2026 draws us into Galatians 5:22-23, challenging us to examine whether our lives display the authentic evidence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. While speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost, the fruit of the Spirit represents the daily lifestyle evidence that transforms our character and witnesses to the world. The message uses a vivid illustration of branches connected to a tree—some alive and flourishing, others cut off and withering—to show us that we cannot manufacture spiritual fruit through our own efforts or willpower. Just as a branch must remain connected to the trunk to receive nutrients and produce fruit, we must stay connected to Christ through daily prayer, fasting, and communion with God. The teaching weaves through each fruit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance—showing how they are intricately woven together like a tapestry. When we pull one thread by failing in one area, the entire image of Christ we're meant to portray begins to unravel. This calls us to ask ourselves: if a stranger observed our lives without knowing we attend church, what clues would tell them we have the Holy Ghost? Our daily walk, not just our Sunday smile, reveals the authenticity of our faith.