Fruit of the Spirit

But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.

 Galatians 5:22

Our pastor has been teaching on nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. I have looked at them in groups of two, and it is interesting. Love and joy go together in my life. When I was thirteen and my family broke up through divorce, with Christ’s love I was able to forgive and love the woman who helped destroy our family. Through that experience it became easier for me to find joy at a most difficult time.

It is always easy to love those who love us. But when someone hurts us, it takes the love that the Holy Spirit offers to enable us to find joy in a time of crisis. This love and joy is a path we must take if we choose to live as Jesus taught us to live.

We never know how in these times how others see Jesus in us. More than that we are commanded in Luke 6:35 to love our enemies and do good to them. When we do that and begin to pray for them, we often will find opportunity to tell them about Jesus.

I had this happen to me with my step-mother and then had a relationship with her throughout my life. It brings joy for sure when we see others walk with Jesus.

We have no other purpose but to live as Jesus lived and be a light to the world.  The next time someone hurts you, make a choice to love them, pray for them, and find joy.

Thank you Jesus for Your life changing truths.

Sharon