Devotional of the week: Bearing fruit (6 in Fruit of the Spirit series)
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 5:22–26
We’re looking at the fruit of the Spirit again this week (and next). Again, remember that these all spring forth from love.
When Paul wrote, joy was also a proper name, as it is today. This is our daughter’s middle name, and when she was little she would delight when it was spoken in her presence: “Joy! That’s my middle name!” But joy isn’t just a happy feeling; it’s a deep sense of well-being even when the circumstances aren’t pleasant.
Peace is also known by the Hebrew word, shalom. This peace isn’t just an absence of conflict, but a sense of completeness; of wholeness within relationships. God’s gift of the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) comes from above, for instance when we feel strife with another or anxiety from within.
Forbearance is a word we don’t seem to prize in our often frenetic lives. But patience and steadfastness come to us when we rely on God, especially in times of trial. I think of several friends with whom I’ve prayed through tough and testing times. The forbearance they exhibit takes my breath away. We wouldn’t wish for these excruciating circumstances – a painful divorce; an injured child – but God redeems them in ways we can’t imagine.
Some people are just more naturally kind than others; I think they are wired that way. For many of us (I count myself in this category), we need God to take us outside of our self-absorbed bubbles and give us the kindness to show to others. My husband can vouch for this area of my life…
Goodness is similar to kindness; in the New Testament, it only appears in Paul’s letters. It’s a state of being made righteous by God, which defines our actions.
What strikes you from this list of the fruit of the Spirit?
Prayer: Lord, I yearn for joy, peace, patience and kindness. Form them in my heart and actions. Amen.
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