Caught Doing Something Right

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self‑control.” – Galatians 5:22–23

Many of us, as followers of Christ, spend a lot of time examining what’s wrong with us. We replay our failures, magnify our flaws, and critique ourselves more harshly than anyone else ever could. It’s why people take twenty photos before posting one—they don’t like what they see on the outside. And often, we don’t like what we see on the inside either. Paul had just finished listing the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19–21, but he didn’t stop there. He moved on to show what a life transformed by Jesus and led by the Spirit begins to produce—fruit that reflects the very character of Christ.

Years ago, in a corporate setting, leaders were encouraged to stop looking for employees’ mistakes and start “catching them doing something right.” That simple shift changed the atmosphere. Instead of discouragement, there was growth. Instead of fear, there was motivation. In the same way, spiritual growth isn’t only about identifying what needs to stop—it’s also about recognizing what God is growing in us. If the Holy Spirit lives within us, then love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control should be showing up in our lives. Not perfectly, but increasingly. Jesus showed these qualities toward us even when we opposed Him. Now He calls us to show them toward others.

So when we look at our brothers and sisters in Christ, maybe we should start catching them doing something right. Point out the kindness you see. Celebrate the patience they’re learning. Encourage the gentleness they’re showing. And when they stumble, don’t stand over them—bend down and help them back up. This is the Father’s business: restoration, not condemnation. And as we walk in the Spirit, the fruit He produces becomes the evidence that Christ is truly at work in us.

Take a moment today to examine your life—not only for what needs to change, but for what God is already growing. Where do you see the Spirit’s fruit beginning to blossom? Where can you encourage someone else who is growing too? Ask the Lord to make your life a garden where His character is seen, His love is felt, and His Spirit is clearly at work.

“Where the Spirit indwells, He brings forth fruit. Grace is not barren; it is always fruitful.” — Thomas Watson