Yesterday I was in the car riding back from Georgia, so I had a full 8 hours to come up with blog topics. This one hit me like a brick when Evidence by Citizen Way started playing on the radio.
Topic: The Fruit of the Spirit Shining Through the Lives of Christians
Honestly, I think that our culture has really low expectations for "Christians". He's a Christian because he has 'God' in his Instagram bio. She's a Christian because she wore a t-shirt with a bible verse on it to school on Thursday. He's a
Christian because he doesn't cuss. She's a Christian because she goes to church. He's a Christian because he has a bumper sticker that says "Got Jesus?".
Goodness. Do you think God agrees?
Topic: The Fruit of the Spirit Shining Through the Lives of Christians
Honestly, I think that our culture has really low expectations for "Christians". He's a Christian because he has 'God' in his Instagram bio. She's a Christian because she wore a t-shirt with a bible verse on it to school on Thursday. He's a
Christian because he doesn't cuss. She's a Christian because she goes to church. He's a Christian because he has a bumper sticker that says "Got Jesus?".
Goodness. Do you think God agrees?
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
Notice: it doesn't say if anyone is in Christ they won't cuss anymore; it says their old ways are gone & their new ways are here. So if Christ is in us, we are transformed forever. It doesn't just show up in our Instagram bio, it shows up in our life. In our daily tasks. In our relationships. In our choices. Jesus is always there shining through us. Like an automatic reflex, we react to life's obstacles like Jesus. This is solely because He lives in us.
God has given us a way to check ourselves & others to see if we're living the way Jesus showed us to live — by the Fruits of the Spirit.
God has given us a way to check ourselves & others to see if we're living the way Jesus showed us to live — by the Fruits of the Spirit.
"You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" Matthew 7:16
Just like an apple tree is supposed to produce apples, we are supposed to produce the Fruit of the Spirit. It is only natural. If an apple tree started producing pears, obviously that would be unrealistic. Although this is such a silly example, it is very true in our lives as Christians. If the Spirit lives inside of us, we will produce the Fruit of the Spirit.
Now what is the Fruit of the Spirit anyway?
Now what is the Fruit of the Spirit anyway?
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23
I think we get the basic concept of what these all mean (or at least think we do), but let's dig deeper anyway…starting with love.
I don't even know where to start. This could take a few day's for me to write, but to keep it short let's start like this - love in this verse is talking about love for people. Without love, we are nothing. (Go highlight\write out\paint on your wall 1 Corinthians 13 — we all need to be reminded of that chapter every day we are ever around people.) Ever heard someone say, "You may not like them but you've gotta love them."? This is relevant in our lives as Christians. But it's also impossible without Christ's help. I find it very hard to love those who are difficult to love, & you may feel the same way. Actually, I know you do. I often wonder why some people are a part of my life…why I have to deal with them…but that's when I need to be reminded of Jesus.
I don't even know where to start. This could take a few day's for me to write, but to keep it short let's start like this - love in this verse is talking about love for people. Without love, we are nothing. (Go highlight\write out\paint on your wall 1 Corinthians 13 — we all need to be reminded of that chapter every day we are ever around people.) Ever heard someone say, "You may not like them but you've gotta love them."? This is relevant in our lives as Christians. But it's also impossible without Christ's help. I find it very hard to love those who are difficult to love, & you may feel the same way. Actually, I know you do. I often wonder why some people are a part of my life…why I have to deal with them…but that's when I need to be reminded of Jesus.
"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8
Christ-like love is so vital & we often overlook the real meaning of it. The King of all kings, my perfect, beautiful, loving, gracious Savior died for me. So when I think of someone that is really hard to love, I need to remind myself of the love Jesus has poured down on such a wretched sinner like me. Oh, how He loves us.
Moving on to joy. This is one of my favorite words, & I get so excited when I hear it. Joy is an amazing thing because in some circumstances, we may not be necessary happy but we are flooded in Christ's joy that He graciously supplies in our hours of need.
Moving on to joy. This is one of my favorite words, & I get so excited when I hear it. Joy is an amazing thing because in some circumstances, we may not be necessary happy but we are flooded in Christ's joy that He graciously supplies in our hours of need.
"The joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10
So really, I think joy pretty much speaks for itself. If Christ lives inside of you, you will have joy that surpasses all other. You can most defiantly look at someones life & see joy seeping through them. Christ is joy, so when He lives in us, His joy fills our hearts & overflows into the lives around us. What a gift.
Peace is utterly amazing. When things are crazy - just plain crazy - the Lord shoves peace in our hearts. I'm so grateful for it.
Peace is utterly amazing. When things are crazy - just plain crazy - the Lord shoves peace in our hearts. I'm so grateful for it.
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
We will defiantly be recognized by our peace throughout the highs & lows of this life.
Patience is not only extremely difficult, but exhausting. Only with Christ inside of our hearts can we succeed in living it out in all relationships. It really travels back to love. We cannot have patience without love. (Actually, we can't have anything without love - but thats a whole 'nother topic on 1 Corinthians 13 that I would love to write about soon!)
Patience is not only extremely difficult, but exhausting. Only with Christ inside of our hearts can we succeed in living it out in all relationships. It really travels back to love. We cannot have patience without love. (Actually, we can't have anything without love - but thats a whole 'nother topic on 1 Corinthians 13 that I would love to write about soon!)
"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." Proverbs 14:29
Jesus is the ultimate definition of patience. Just think. He had to live here — with all of us stupid, selfish, ugly sinners — in this horrible world — put up with our ignorance — & eventually die for us. Think about this too; He never even complained. So much patience & love blows my mind! Jesus's patient heart will sprinkle out on ours as we deepen our faith in Him. Patience is so important to be able to see in the lives of others. Without it, what could we ever accomplish?
'Kill 'em with kindness' is a phrase often heard but never exerted. Kindness is hard. But Jesus is kind, so we need to be kind. Even when she annoys you, even when he calls you names, even when they are being selfish…kill 'em with kindness.
'Kill 'em with kindness' is a phrase often heard but never exerted. Kindness is hard. But Jesus is kind, so we need to be kind. Even when she annoys you, even when he calls you names, even when they are being selfish…kill 'em with kindness.
"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
"But love your enemies, & do good, & give, expecting nothing in return; & your reward will be great, & you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful & evil men." Luke 6:35
This verse kills me. Ask anyone — kindness is never easy when we're trying to pour it on the lives of those who hurt & annoy us — but it is evident in the lives of those who have Christ living in them.
Overall goodness is only found in those who live for Christ. There is really no other word for good, we all understand it pretty well, but it is very much impossible to be filled completely with goodness. Overall goodness means not stirring up wrath, not causing others to stumble, being patient, kind, not rude, not bragg-y, humble, full of love, hope, & faith, not angered easily, etc… Goodness is simply everything that is good according to God's law. I think that's probably why it's so hard to play out in our lives — because our stubborn, sinful human nature wants to pull away from God's definition of good, & He has to keep pulling us back in. Our definition of good is quite different from God's. 'Good' things in our brain mean doing things to make us feel good, or so others will think we're really significant. God's definition of good is found in His word — He himself is good.
Overall goodness is only found in those who live for Christ. There is really no other word for good, we all understand it pretty well, but it is very much impossible to be filled completely with goodness. Overall goodness means not stirring up wrath, not causing others to stumble, being patient, kind, not rude, not bragg-y, humble, full of love, hope, & faith, not angered easily, etc… Goodness is simply everything that is good according to God's law. I think that's probably why it's so hard to play out in our lives — because our stubborn, sinful human nature wants to pull away from God's definition of good, & He has to keep pulling us back in. Our definition of good is quite different from God's. 'Good' things in our brain mean doing things to make us feel good, or so others will think we're really significant. God's definition of good is found in His word — He himself is good.
"Oh, how abundant is your goodness…" Psalm 31:19
So by saying goodness will be found if the Spirit lives inside of us, He is saying we will be more like Him.
The Merriam-Webster definition of 'faithfulness' is, "having or showing true and constant support or loyalty". I think this can be played out in many different ways at different stages of life. Right now I am called to be faithful to my family, my friends, my church, & my God. Faithfulness to my God should look like that that was written about in 1 Kings 2:3-4;
The Merriam-Webster definition of 'faithfulness' is, "having or showing true and constant support or loyalty". I think this can be played out in many different ways at different stages of life. Right now I am called to be faithful to my family, my friends, my church, & my God. Faithfulness to my God should look like that that was written about in 1 Kings 2:3-4;
"Keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, so that the LORD may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel."
My faithfulness to my family may just mean being here for them. I can love them & be a safe place for my siblings. I can help out around the house. Same for friendships… I want to be a safe place for struggles to be shared. A safe place to ask for prayer. As silly as it may sound, listening is a gift that I have been given, so I can use that to be faithful. The Lord is so faithful to us. He listens & loves us. We should be so extremely grateful.
Gentleness is beautiful. We are called to be gentle because Jesus is gentle. His words are gentle, His actions are gentle, His heart is gentle. Therefore we should strive for gentleness everyday. We get annoyed so easily…we get mad so easily…we get angry so easily…JESUS DOES NOT. So look for gentleness in others, & in yourself.
Gentleness is beautiful. We are called to be gentle because Jesus is gentle. His words are gentle, His actions are gentle, His heart is gentle. Therefore we should strive for gentleness everyday. We get annoyed so easily…we get mad so easily…we get angry so easily…JESUS DOES NOT. So look for gentleness in others, & in yourself.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1
Self-control, i'd have to say, is one of the…all…I need to work on. I have 3 (almost 4) siblings (+ myself haha), that I have to live with everyday, & so if I told you I never scream\punch\get screamed at for screaming & punching them would be the biggest lie I've ever told… (not kidding — AT ALL — my brother is hitting me with a pool noodle as I type this section. I promise I'm not lying.) But this isn't a joking matter at all — because Jesus calls us to have self-control.
"A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back." Proverbs 29:11
Notice it doesn't say he isn't angry, it says he held it back. I don't know about y'all, but I sure don't wanna be called a fool, so let's be the wise man that holds it back — together — through His strength.
So friends, let's look for the Fruit of the Spirit in the lives of others, & in our lives. We will be recognized by our fruit. Let's work to make a better harvest.
Through His grace,
Abigail
Psalm 16:2
So friends, let's look for the Fruit of the Spirit in the lives of others, & in our lives. We will be recognized by our fruit. Let's work to make a better harvest.
Through His grace,
Abigail
Psalm 16:2