0
0
My children and I discuss the Fruit of the Spirit often, they have a favorite song about the Fruit of the Spirit. If you have heard the song, you know why randomly yelling “banana” makes my children burst into fits of giggles and respond with “cherries” or “coconut.” You just must be there, but it is awesome. Trust me.
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.
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
As Holy Spirit-filled believers, we all possess these traits through the work of the Holy Spirit but there is a tendency to expect high-level proficiency without effort. Imagine someone gave you an amazing shiny red Ford Mustang (you pick the year) for your 15th birthday. As they toss the keys and yell “happy birthday” you are not instantly able to skillfully drive this vehicle if you have never been behind the wheel of a car. You have the car; you must learn how to drive it. Or if you owned a quaint cottage Bed & Breakfast and welcomed in a new guest. You would show them around, encourage them to make themselves comfortable, point out the amenities and they would take their belongings off to their room. Where they would stay or the duration of their trip with limited contact. You must seek the Holy Spirit.
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever
John 14:16 NKJV
But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
John 15:26 NKJV
You must desire and respect the Holy Spirits’ presence as a Helper sent by God and seek Him often. When I feel like the Fruit of the Spirit might be dolled out alphabetically and I will never make it to P(patience) in this lifetime I need this reminder. I have the keys to a car, that does not mean I can drive. Side note, super grateful backing up or parallel parking is not on the license renewal tests or I might have to become more proficient on a bike.
The Holy Spirit you are welcome here, move in this house, move in my life, I desire more of your presence. Forgive me Father for my neglect of Your Helper. When I weave a net of ambition and trap myself in self-serving desires remind me Jesus of your love and plan for me. I want to show this darkened world more of You, through me. Let me seek the Holy Spirit earnestly and often. This world needs more love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and we have the keys given to us by our Savior and King, Jesus Christ! Thank you, Jesus. -Amen
May the words that flow from me Lord be filled with Your message and when I am obedient may they be backed by the Holy Spirit. When I serve righteously let none of the words, I utter in praise of You fall to the ground. Help me to craft every word, may they pierce hearts and refresh weary souls. This gift is Yours; God I simply aim to use it for your glory. –
Love Cortney