Understanding Gifts vs. Fruit – Insights from Joyce Meyer’s Sermon (Part 1 & 2):
In her enlightening two-part sermon “Understanding Gifts vs. Fruit,” Joyce Meyer explores the crucial difference between spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. She emphasizes that while spiritual gifts empower believers to serve others and fulfill their God-given purpose, the fruit of the Spirit reflects the inner transformation that comes from walking closely with God.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Joyce Meyer begins by explaining that spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of serving others and building up the body of Christ. These gifts, such as teaching, prophecy, and healing, are not earned but are freely given by God’s grace.
Key Verse: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-5, NIV)
She emphasizes that gifts are not meant for personal glory but for advancing God’s Kingdom. It’s easy to be impressed by someone’s gifts, but Joyce warns that gifts alone are not evidence of spiritual maturity or godliness.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Evidence of a Transformed Life
While spiritual gifts are tools for ministry, the fruit of the Spirit reflects the character of Christ in a believer’s life. Joyce Meyer highlights that the fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23, is the true measure of spiritual growth.
Key Verse: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)
Joyce explains that the fruit of the Spirit develops over time as believers submit to the Holy Spirit and cultivate a deep relationship with God. It’s not about what we do but about who we are becoming in Christ.
The Contrast Between Gifts and Fruit
1. Gifts Are Given; Fruit Is Grown
Gifts are imparted by the Holy Spirit in an instant, but the fruit of the Spirit requires consistent effort and spiritual discipline. Joyce encourages believers to focus not only on their gifts but also on nurturing the fruit in their lives.
“Gifts come without effort, but fruit requires cultivation. God is more interested in who we are than what we do.”
2. Gifts Serve Others; Fruit Reflects Christ
Spiritual gifts benefit the church and the world, but the fruit of the Spirit shows others the love and nature of Jesus. While someone might prophesy or teach with power, the real question is whether they display love, patience, and kindness in their daily life.
3. Gifts Can Be Misused; Fruit Cannot
Joyce Meyer points out that it’s possible to misuse spiritual gifts for selfish gain or recognition. However, the fruit of the Spirit is pure and always glorifies God.
The Danger of Prioritizing Gifts Over Fruit
In her sermon, Joyce warns against placing too much emphasis on spiritual gifts while neglecting character development. She uses the example of 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul emphasizes that without love, even the most spectacular spiritual gifts are meaningless.
Key Verse: “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2, NIV)
Joyce encourages believers to strive for balance. Spiritual gifts are important, but they should be accompanied by the fruit of the Spirit to reflect God’s nature.
Practical Steps to Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit
1. Spend Time with God Daily
The fruit of the Spirit grows as we remain connected to the Source. Joyce emphasizes the importance of prayer, worship, and meditating on God’s Word to develop Christ-like character.
Key Verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5, NIV)
2. Practice Self-Reflection
Joyce encourages believers to evaluate their actions and attitudes regularly. Are you showing love, patience, and kindness, or are you quick to anger and judgment?
3. Rely on the Holy Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is not something we can produce in our own strength. Joyce reminds us to rely on the Holy Spirit for help in becoming more like Jesus.
Balancing Gifts and Fruit
In Part 2 of the sermon, Joyce Meyer underscores the importance of striking a balance between gifts and fruit. She explains that a mature believer operates in their spiritual gifts while also exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. When these two aspects work together, believers can serve God effectively while reflecting His love and grace.
A Call to Maturity
Joyce challenges listeners to pursue not just the visible power of spiritual gifts but also the inner strength that comes from cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. She urges believers to pray for God to shape their character even as He equips them for ministry.
“God is more interested in your character than your comfort. He wants you to be more like Jesus, not just more gifted.”
Conclusion
In “Understanding Gifts vs. Fruit,” Joyce Meyer provides profound insights into the complementary roles of spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit in a believer’s life. While gifts empower us to serve others, the fruit of the Spirit shapes us into Christ’s image.
As you reflect on this teaching, ask yourself:
Are you using your gifts to glorify God and serve others?
Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in your life?
By focusing on both gifts and fruit, you can live a balanced, Spirit-filled life that honors God and impacts the world.
A Prayer for Growth in Gifts and Fruit
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You have given me to serve others. Help me to use them wisely and for Your glory. Lord, I also ask You to develop the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Transform my heart so that I reflect Your love, joy, peace, and kindness in all I do. I surrender to Your Spirit’s work in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Watch these sermons below:
Video credit : Joyce Meyer Ministries Youtube