Apples, Apples, Apples!

It’s autumn in Wisconsin and the nearby orchards are posting ads as to which varieties of apples are currently being picked. As one looks at the extensive list of apple varieties and the calendar of picking dates, surprise and bewilderment may describe the reaction. So many different varieties, both familiar and never before heard of, are named. This does not begin to include the hybrids. Among these hybrids is my personal favorite, Jonagolreds. This is a mixture of Jonathan, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples. These make the tastiest applesauce, requiring no additional sweetness. With just a hint of cinnamon the sauce is wonderful.

Visiting my local market, I find the produce section is also teaming with these additional varieties of apples. There are a minimum of a half a dozen apple varieties available year-round. But this time year that number has more than doubled. The current volume of apple varieties that are available is both amazing and tasty.

The apostle Paul spoke to the people of Galatia concerning the fruit that the Holy Spirit develops in our lives. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP) These nine fruit are present in every believer and being developed as we grow in the Lord. This fruit benefits the believer and also nourishes those the believer comes in contact with.

When I consider the fruit of love, I realize that there are many expressions of true love. A kind word to someone in need is an expression of love. A couple of water to someone who is thirsty is another expression of that same love. A gift, a phone call, a visit, a note and many other actions are expressions of that same love. One fruit, love, has many expressions that are all valuable. Each of these expressions is like a variety of the apple. At times we may combine several expressions of love. Together these become the perfect hybrid to bring needed nourishment and enjoyment to a hungry soul.

Each variety of apple has its own qualities and usage. Some are firmer while others are softer. Some apples are tart and others are sweet. Some work well in baking, while others are best enjoyed fresh picked off the tree. Not all apples even look like. Although many varieties are red, others are green or gold. Even those that look alike may have very different characteristics. A golden delicious apple, which is soft and sweet, sometimes has a greenish gold color causing it to look very similar to a Granny Smith apple. This Granny Smith apple is both firm and tart. Both varieties are very good, but are used and enjoyed differently.

We are all created uniquely by our Heavenly Father. Therefore we will express His love in different ways. Our best example of love is Jesus Christ. He expressed love to people in so many different ways. Wherever he went he met the people right where they were. The apostle Paul spoke of this compassion, ^“How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38 AMP) The greatest expression of Christ love was His willing suffering and crucifixion. He endured the suffering, taking on our sin, simply for the benefit of all of us. We are likewise to go about doing good and expressing love to all we meet. This will take on many forms. We are commanded to, ^“Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].” (Romans 12:15 AMP)

There are so many more examples of meeting needs and showing love in the Scripture. We must allow the Lord to develop the fruit of love within us. When we follow His voice and express this love, the world will be able to, “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP) They will be drawn to the love of God through our love.

Express love today to those around you. Allow God to show you just what variety of love will be best enjoyed in every circumstance you find yourself in.