I have always loved this text on the fruit of the Spirit, but it hit me new and fresh as we have studied it the last 2 months. I would encourage everyone to go and read the whole chapter and really think about what it has to share with us. The chapter begins by reminding us about the freedom we have in Christ, but not allowing that freedom to be permission to sin. It then reminds us of all that can be tempting in our lives. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift from the Holy Spirit which empowers us to be not only be victorious over the temptations of the flesh but be a human which is a Joy to be in relationship with. Who doesn't want to be friends with someone who is truly loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and has self-control!

It was interesting with fresh eyes to look at each Characteristic given to us by the Spirit. To first see how much God has caused that gift to grow in my life. Second, to with a deeper Biblical understanding realize the immensity of this gift in my life. And finally, to dream and commit to how I would cooperate with the Spirit in allowing each gift to grow even more in my life.

There is great value in being reminded that you can be fully loving, fully filled with joy, fully peaceful, fully patient, fully kind, fully good, fully faithful, fully gentle, and able to resist any sin and be in control of our lives. I invite you to think about which characteristic you struggle with allowing to shine in you the most and ask the spirit how it might be released in you. Maybe you are very kind but have trouble being patient. Or maybe you are gentle but have trouble being at peace. If I am honest I can see areas that are naturally stronger for me, areas that have grown considerably over the years in my Christian journey, and yes, areas that still need work.

We would do well to pray a fruity prayer every day. Something like: Spirit, I invite your fruit to grow in me. Help me to love as Jesus loved, help me to have joy that overflows to all around me, give me peace even in the midst of my most difficult challenges, help me to be patient in the situations that normally bring me frustration, help me to be kind always even if I think someone doesn't deserve my kindness, God make me good as you are good, remind me that a little faith is all I need to do great things, may I always approach people with gentleness, and may my wants be your wants and have control over the things that temp me most.

When we live fruity lives, the world will be drawn to Jesus. The world will want to know where this supernatural character comes from and we can tell them about the God who loves us and empowers us and who also loves them and desires to gift them in the same way. Go bear much fruit!

Have a great summer,

 

Pastor Philip