As missional entrepreneurs, we long for our endeavors to be fruitful.

And as we pursue not one, but three bottom lines, we long for businesses that not only work well but work to produce good in the lives of transformed people and communities.

But what does that fruit look like?

We can think of no better place to look for that description than the Apostle Paul’s words about the “fruit of the Spirit”:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.1

British priest and theologian John Stott explains the significance of the fact that “fruit” is singular:

“Paul deliberately uses the singular ‘fruit’ to suggest that the nine qualities listed are not a series of separate ‘fruits’ which might be produced in isolation from each other, but a composite description of what the Spirit does in believers.”2

In the coming weeks, we will occasionally feature articles addressing one of the different aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. Written by veteran missional enterprise leaders, each article will explore how these characteristics can be developed and displayed in the lives of business owners, the culture of their organizations, and the communities they influence.

Let’s begin this exploration with a few questions for reflection:

• In which aspect of your enterprise do you most see the fruit of the Spirit displayed? In which aspect would you most like to see a greater demonstration of Spirit fruit?
• What characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) seems to be most desperately needed in the business world where you live and work?

Verse of the Week:

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:8 (ESV)

Let’s pray that the enterprises we lead will bear much fruit, by God’s grace and for his glory.