But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. There is no law against these things. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
The Bible verses above from Galatians sound so beautiful when I read about the gifts we have been given. The verses remind me that the Holy Spirit produces all these attributes that make life such an amazing place for me to dwell. However, often others don't read the verses before and the verses after these verses that focus on the sin in our lives. The list goes on and on and on . . . Yes, those sins are mighty enticing. In reality it's much easier said than done to act with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. No wonder there is no law against these things as stated in verse 23; God has given us an ever flowing supply through the Holy Spirit because He has hope that we will choose this kind of fruit to nourish our lives. That's where that darn freewill gets us in trouble; when we are making choices without His guidance.
The last few weeks have been challenging. It started with a mammogram that revealed something lurking behind the scenes, and the journey continues with many unknowns ahead. My daughter and her family became very ill after returning from a trip that kept them all home for over a week. Work had new challenges and difficult days. Other family members are also facing painful realities that I can't fix, even with all the love in the world for them. (I have a tendency to want to "fix" things.) As everything piled on, I noticed that my patience wasn't what it should be in many areas of my life. I wanted answers and resolution now; not tomorrow. Anxiousness was replacing patience. Anxiousness is not one of those fruits that the Holy Spirit has flowing into me. It's a result of not tapping into those fruits.
The interesting thing I have learned through the challenges is that if one fruit becomes a little rotten, it can affect all the fruit. If the patience starts to go, it can affect love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. I think I've learned that these fruits of the Spirit are actually an all-in-one package. You can't pick and choose which ones you want to act upon. They go together like a banana split with all the fixings. It's really not a banana split without the ice cream, banana, and all the toppings. It becomes something different when you take something away. It changes everything. (And please don't forget the whip cream and nuts on top!)
So, I have a new way of thinking after this challenging experience I've been going through and continue to navigate. The fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control should all be treasured. Each needs special care and attention. After all you wouldn't leave your grapes out on the counter with your bananas; would you? If I find one of the fruits from the Holy Spirit is out of balance in my life, I need to do whatever it takes to protect all the fruits. In reality they are an all-in-one package, that the Holy Spirit will supply if only I choose to ask and receive the gift. So, I move forward a little more balanced because I realize the nourishment to handle everything was flowing within me all the time.
Let us pray,
Holy Spirit,
Thank you for the never ending flow of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control you supply within me. Help me take with gratitude and grace these gifts and use them daily in all areas of my life.
Amen
