Tasty Fruit, Not Sour Lemons (Part 1)
Key Verse
“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 (NLT)
The Idea
We live in a world brimming with challenges—whether they’re global crises, interpersonal conflicts, or the everyday stresses that weigh on our hearts. It’s all too easy to get swept up in negativity, letting anger or frustration guide our reactions. However, as we explored in our Sunday School class while studying the teaching series Love in Chaos, Bob Goff shows us a different way: leaning on the Holy Spirit to grow “tasty fruit” in our lives.
SHORT SYNOPSIS OF LOVE IN CHAOS
In Love in Chaos, Bob Goff reminds us that love remains the most powerful force for good, even in the most unpredictable and turbulent moments. Through his signature storytelling and practical insights, Bob illustrates how everyday acts of kindness, patience, and compassion can transform not only our personal outlook but also the world around us. By urging us to see others as God sees them—and to respond with love, especially when it’s inconvenient or messy—Bob challenges us to step beyond our comfort zones. He shows that a simple act of kindness or an unexpected gesture of grace can bring peace and hope where chaos once reigned.
We often overlook how our daily choices and responses leave either a “sweet” or “sour” taste with those we interact with. Galatians 5:22–23 reminds us that the Holy Spirit longs to produce fruit in us—things like love, kindness, and gentleness—that draw people toward hope and healing rather than push them away. Bob illustrates this principle with a personal story about his old pickup truck in San Diego. He never locked the doors, and one day, a stranger decided to make it his temporary shelter. Instead of calling the police or seeking revenge when the truck got trashed, Bob chose kindness. He recognized that this individual simply needed a place to rest.
This example might seem extreme or counterintuitive. After all, who wouldn’t be frustrated if a stranger wrecked their vehicle? But Bob’s decision not to retaliate underlines a powerful truth: the world needs more kindness, not more shouting matches or scare tactics. Sour lemons leave a bitter aftertaste; sweet fruit fosters peace and understanding.
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
—Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)
Why It Matters for You
Take a moment to reflect on your own life. How often do you respond harshly or impatiently—especially when your day isn’t going as planned? Maybe it’s a demanding coworker, a difficult neighbor, or a routine annoyance that pushes your buttons. If you’ve been feeling the weight of negativity or the temptation to fight fire with fire, consider the freedom that comes when you allow the Holy Spirit to shape your responses.
When we choose to respond with kindness, gentleness, and patience, we’re not just avoiding conflict. We’re creating opportunities for grace, healing, and genuine connection. We become a reflection of God’s love in a world that desperately needs a gentle touch.
Challenge & Call to Action
Think of one situation this week where you know you’ll be tempted to respond harshly—maybe a recurring family disagreement or a difficult conversation at work. Instead of choosing bitterness or anger, invite the Holy Spirit to help you produce “tasty fruit” in that moment. Offer empathy, a calm word, or a simple act of kindness.
Afterward, pause and note what happened. Did your kind response diffuse tension? Did it open a new door of understanding or comfort? By being intentional about choosing kindness, you’ll start to see how “tasty fruit” can transform your interactions and your heart.