Overflowing

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1.9-11

That you might be filled with all the fruits of righteousness, which are my Christ, to His praise and glory.

The picture of fruit is one used often in the scriptures. I like the picture. It makes me think if the paintings of cornucopia overflowing with a beautiful variety of vegetables and grains and fruits and nuts. It is a symbol of overflowing abundance.

When I read this verse that is the image that comes to my mind. Our lives are not meant to just get through spiritually. Our desire should be that our lives abound in bearing fruit and the fruit out to be the fruit of righteousness. What is this fruit of righteousness?

Paul talks about it elsewhere. It is love and joy and peace and long-suffering and gentleness and goodness and faith and meekness and temperance. These are this things that ought pour out of us like an overflowing cornucopia.

The Christian life is more than just getting along. It is pouring out the fruit of the Spirit so all the world can see and so that they will be drawn to the fullness of life in Christ.