Fruits of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

There are nine ‘fruits’ mentioned in Galatians. The word fruit is used to help us understand the result of the holy spirit. Just like any apple or peach, fruits of the spirit take time to ripen. It needs proper water and sunshine to thrive. Taking time to read scripture or tending to the weeds created by past sin can make for a strong and tall tree.

Love,Goodness,Kindness & Patience

Love in a biblical sense is chosen, and it always seeks to benefit others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourself.”(Philippians 2:1-3). In my opinion, biblical love and the fruits of kindness and goodness go hand in hand. Goodness represents a sense of what is morally right and kindness is the expression of that goodness unto others. Mastering goodness and kindness is key for learning biblical love for our brothers and sisters. Patience is equally as important. Usually patience is linked with speaking the gospel to others. We’re called to be patient with each other as God patiently waits for the broken.

Joy,Peace & Gentleness 

I hear about peace a lot in devotions and church sermons, but before I was involved in a church I was always so angry. That's because the world can’t offer us peace. Sure our favorite things make life easier but true peace through the Lord is unlike any stress relief tactic out there. The book of Phillipians tells us to rejoice, bring all our worries and fears, and then fill ourselves with the truth. On the other hand, joy seems to be more of an overlooked subject. Joy to me is an extreme happiness and sense of security. John 15:4-11 says “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” I heard somewhere that gentleness is the grace of our souls, it’s the opposite of selfishness and self interest, making it vital for peace within christ. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)

Self control & Faithfulness

Through Self control, we’re allowed the option to say no to the things we know are sinful and wrong. We’re also given the option to make the correct decisions; and choose to say yes to God. Our faithfulness to God is a constant choice to obey him. Choosing to do what seems harder or more difficult because we have faith that he knows what’s best. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Best wishes,

Emily

Peace in Chaos

Peace is mentioned about 400 times in various versions of the bible. As humans our biggest vice seems to be worry. We want things to go a certain way, always being told to plan ahead. When I was in middle school I remember being asked what college I wanted to attend or what career I was pursuing. At the time I barely knew basic math much less what I would be doing in six years. We’re pushed by our parents, schools, jobs, and peers to be on top of everything and it’s unrealistic. We’re not built to carry all of that pressure and that's not how God intended it to be. 

The time we’re in now can seem scary and unpredictable. While that's true we only feel that way because we’re not in control. We’re able to make decisions for ourselves so when we’re told to stay inside in fear of catching a sickness we know nothing about, we are reasonably upset. Here's some good news though: God has already got everything planned out. If you're someone who stresses about the future, your family, income, or your health, know that you can cast those things on the lord and he will take care of them. Everytime I think about verse 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you”, I feel a wash of relief over me. In a time like this, it can be hard to focus on the lord and let him handle things. He’s bigger than us and he can get things done in the beautiful way he always does.

I know for some this is easier said than done. Trusting is a learned trait and it can be easily damaged by experiences or toxic people, but God is not of the world and he urges us to do the same. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15. If we focus on the negatives and get so distracted by all the bad and worry selfishly about ourselves we will never feel peace. How horrible that would be. Take this time to think about trusting the Lord and how you can spread his peace to others. What is meant for you will find its way I promise. 

Finding peace in the midst of God's work is difficult when we can’t see how he’s moving. In those times it’s important to focus on prayer. Whenever you find yourself worrying, take a moment to pray about it, even a short prayer the moment the thought comes to mind. It allows you to pass your worries to God and hopefully relieve some stress that you have. It is so important to keep trusting in God, keep diving into scripture and keep reminding ourselves that he is faithful. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” Romans 12:12

Best wishes,

Emily