昨天和今天选读的经文大致相同，为的是让我们更多思想圣灵的工作，如何使我们的生命长成基督的品格。「果子」这个词的原文是一个单数词，它却包含了基督的种种特性。我们可以将这果子的九方面分为三组探讨。

仁爱、喜乐与和平是我们的内心经历；忍耐、恩慈与良善是我们对人的行为；信实、温柔和节制提醒我们三种持久的态度。

我们虽然可以将果子如此划分，但要切记，圣灵并非要在这个信徒结出仁爱的果子，那个信徒结出喜乐的果子，在另一个信徒结出和平的果子。虽然我们每个人都是独特的个体，都有本身的独特性格，我们可能会较容易倾向某些特质。然而，圣灵的心意，却是要每个信徒获得果子的全部品格。

第一种品格是仁爱，这就是神对世人的爱。这种爱永不言败。它愿意为了他人的幸福而牺牲自己。不单是我们做甚么能显示这爱，我们拒绝做甚么，也是这爱的表现。真爱是不断的施予和付出。

喜乐不仅是事事开心；它是一种安静的信靠，深信自己是在神的手里而为此感到喜乐。这种喜乐能够感染他人，同时也能成为基督的见证。

和平与喜乐息息相关。信徒之所以心境平和，并非因为无灾无祸，而是因为与神同在。当我们全然信靠神的时候，我们就可一生经历这种平安，我们确信神知道甚么对我们最好，而祂的心意总是要我们获益。

当我们与神和谐相处，我们就可得着这三种内心经历。你拥有它们吗？你绝对可以！

Yesterday’s and today’s readings have been almost the same in order for us to think more about the work of the Spirit in re-producing the character of Christ in our lives. The word “fruit” in the original text is singular but it includes a whole cluster of the characteristics of Christ. The nine aspects of this fruit can be divided into three sets of three.

Look at them this way:Love, joy, and peace cover our inner experience. Patience, kindness, and goodness speak of our outward conduct. Faithfulness, gentleness, and self control remind us of our continuing attitude.

While we may divide the fruit in this way, remember that the Spirit does not want to produce love in one believer, joy in another and peace in someone else. We are of course different individuals with varying personalities. We may be inclined naturally to one or other of these attributes. But the Holy Spirit wants to develop all of them in the life of every believer.

Love is mentioned first. It is the kind of love God has for the whole world. It is unconquerable kindness, undefeatable goodwill. This kind of love gives sacrificially for the benefit of others. It is also seen not only in what we do but in what we refrain from doing. True love keeps on loving and giving.

Joy is not merely being happy about everything. It is the quiet confidence that we are in God’s hands and are very happy to be there. That kind of joy can be contagious also and can be a real witness for Christ.

Peace is linked with joy. It comes not from the absence of trouble but from the presence of God. It can underlay all the rest of our lives and comes as our faith rests in God Himself. We believe that God knows best and only plans what is good for us.

These are three of the experiences of a heart in tune with God. Are they yours? They can be.