Galatians 5:22, 23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Patience, kindness, and goodness impact your life where the rubber meets the road. We’ve all met “Christians” who pontificate with fancy words about their spirituality, but when you see them with their family, their words, attitudes, and actions don’t seem all that heavenly. In fact, they have a great need for some genuine fruit of the Spirit love, served up with patience, kindness, and goodness. No one can fabricate these fruits so the one who doesn’t have the real thing has nothing at all.
Who means more in your life? Someone who is patient, kind, and good toward you, or a driving, pounding, accusing bully?
When do your family members show more motivation to cooperate with you? When the Spirit is producing fruit through you, or when you are a badgering manipulator?
If you are a “Type A” personality you likely want to turn away from these spiritual ideas in favor of harsh battering to accomplish your agenda. Why not get squared away with the Spirit this time, then let Him bear this fruit in your life, and you express it toward people around you?
You’re going to be pleased with the results as everyone is encouraged by the “new you”.
Comments