Growing in the Fruit (after past sin)
Q: I have come back to Christ, but I have a lot of guilt and shame (over a past divorce and remarriage) which I’ve repented for. I’m trying to do my best from this point on to live a Christian life. I want to bear fruits, but I’m not sure how. I know what the fruits are, but I don’t feel like just being kind person is going to cut it at this point. I want God to look at me and see that I have abundantly produced fruits of the spirit. What can I do?
A: God is the one who saves and transforms us. Those born again by God have both the indwelling Holy Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit.
We grow into maturity in that Fruit in time, via sanctification; our walk in the Faith. Bearing Fruit is natural in our new nature [as we have the righteousness of Christ]. Here is info on the Fruit of the Spirit, and clarity on being restored image bearers of God. As you grow your Christian character matures. You might be like a green bell pepper (or baby in the faith) but will mature into a fully ripe red bellpepper, (so to speak). It takes time. When we falter or fall, God is with us to help us up, learn from it and "get back in the horse" to go onwards towards the goal. Just be faithful to persevere in holy living.
You dont do anything towards your salvation. Jesus did it all. So salvation is a matter already dealt with. Youre just living life as an adopted child of God, becoming more Christlike. That's it.
Everything is in the past [even this sentence]. You've understood the problem, identified the sin, repented of it, God forgive you in Christ [2000 yrs ago], just stop dwelling on it, as God doesnt even remember it, so neither should you. Move onwards in the present and into the future.
God bless
Resources:
Image bearers of God;
Fruit of the Spirit (study)
How do I forgive myself - Finding Peace with Your Past
