As a progressive, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to God; this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace!
In the book of John there’s a list of beautiful traits worth aspiring to have in our lives. They’re part of a list called, “The Fruit of the Spirit.”
The premise is, as we stay connected to God – the Spirit of God will grow in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These wonderful qualities are attributes of God – available to everyone. As we allow God’s light to shine in us, it will nourish the health and maturity of this Fruit of the Spirit.
Here’s a quick review of this list:
Love – is like a gold nugget and how important it is to sift out all of the “stuff” in our lives – and what will remain? Love!
Joy – that exciting, fabulous, fleeting experience, that sweetness that washes over us like a wave, the experience of joy … and how important it is to kiss joy as it flies by.
Peace – Peace with God, peace with ourselves and peace with others. Peace!
Patience – the ability to abide under difficult circumstances … to endure without complaining … the grace to persevere.
Kindness – being caring, tenderhearted and compassionate; and that kindness involves action.
Generosity – “liberality in giving.” “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Generosity is part of our worship and it feels good! Grateful people are generous people. A spirit of generosity will transform your life.
Faithfulness – to be trustworthy, to be loyal. You can absolutely depend on a person who is faithful. God is absolutely faithful!
Gentleness – power under control; we need to be gentle to ourselves and others!
Self-control – which comes from the Greek word that means strength; the ability to contain ourselves, to hold ourselves. This fruit, like all the rest, is a gift from God.
Recently on a trip of a lifetime to Australia, I had the rare opportunity to enter into life with an Aboriginal Community in the Outback. As I was there visiting the elementary school where my dear friend Matt is the principal, I was asked one day to read one of their favorite storybooks! They gave me the book as a souvenir – and it fits so well with the Fruit of the Spirit.
I encourage you to read The Gardener and the Vine by Andrew McDonough.
The pictures are great; and I’ve summed up the book for you.
The goal: To bear more fruit.
The gardener: To do what it takes (prune or graft or transplant) the vine (us) so that we will bear more fruit.
You and me: We want the fruit, but not always what comes with that – the pain of pruning, the journey through different stages of life to get us to the place where we can grow and bear fruit.
Main point: Stay connected to the vine. Let God’s strength and life flowing through you give you new strength and new life.
“And the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law!” Amen.
