LSEM > Devotions > The Fruit of the Spirit in Our Lives

The Fruit of the Spirit in Our Lives

  • November 28, 2025
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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Scripture

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
against such things there is no law.”
— Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV)

Reflection

The Apostle Paul reminds us that life in Christ produces fruit—not by our effort or achievement, but by the Holy Spirit’s work within us. For teachers and parents of children with special needs, these verses carry profound comfort. Each day brings unique joys and challenges—some seen, some unseen. Yet God’s Word assures us that His Spirit is at work in every moment, shaping both the caregiver and the child into His likeness.

We confess that these fruits are not our doing, but the Spirit’s—gifts flowing from justification by faith alone. Just as a tree bears fruit because it is alive, so we bear spiritual fruit because Christ’s life dwells in us. In the classroom, or home, our purpose becomes a living testimony to God’s grace in action.

Encouragement for Teachers

Dear teachers — your vocation is holy work. Each individualized lesson, each moment of redirection or encouragement, each sigh of exhaustion is not unnoticed by your Savior. Through you, the Spirit’s fruit becomes tangible—love in your compassion, patience in your consistency, gentleness in your tone, faithfulness in your daily return to the task.
You may not always see the growth, but the Lord who called you promises that His Word and Spirit never work in vain (Isaiah 55:11). Trust that He is cultivating eternal fruit in both your students and you.

Encouragement for Parents

Dear parents — your calling to nurture your child is a divine gift. Some days may feel long, and progress may seem slow. Yet the Spirit whispers peace into weary hearts. You are not alone. God delights in your faithfulness, even when the fruits seem small. The love and joy you pour into your child are reflections of Christ’s own love for you.
Remember, your worth—and your child’s—rests not in performance or perfection but in being redeemed and loved by Christ. His grace covers every moment, even those filled with tears or questions.

Application

When you feel depleted, return to the Vine (John 15:5). Christ nourishes you through Word and Sacrament—where His promises are real, His forgiveness sure, and His Spirit active. From that nourishment, the fruits will come forth naturally:

  • Love for the child before you.
  • Joy in small victories.
  • Peace amid uncertainty.
  • Patience in repetition.
  • Kindness in tone and deed.
  • Goodness in your intentions.
  • Faithfulness in daily perseverance.
  • Gentleness in correction.
  • Self-control in weary moments.

These are not burdens to bear but blessings to receive.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, You have called teachers and parents to serve Your precious children. Fill them with the fruits of Your Spirit, that love and patience may abound. Strengthen them through Your Word and Sacrament, that they may see Your hand at work in every challenge. Remind them that they—and the children they serve—are fearfully and wonderfully made. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Devotion by Dr. Thomas Wrege, a military veteran, former school principal, and currently a national consultant for Lutheran schools. As principal, he always looked to LSEM to provide teachers, resources, and counsel to ensure every child’s needs were met. He loves the mission and ministry of LSEM — striving to reach every child with the love of Jesus and a promise of a relational and servant heart to support them.