Fruits of the Spirit by Lois

Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Pondering on the Fruits of the Spirit...

Love--Radiance of God's love-- like soaking up sunlight, feeling its warmth, we soak up the Son-Light of Jesus making our motivations for our actions, words and thoughts as His followers. Do everything in love 1 Corinthians. 16:14

Joy--We have joy because Jesus is always with us no matter what is going on. He is our constant companion. J-O-Y is Jesus-Others-Yourself: Jesus first, Yourself last and Others in-between. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Peace--Finding peace in the quiet times/place with the Lord. He gives a calmness when we open ourselves up to receive. All we need is to ask. My peace I leave with you, My peace I give you... John 14:27 Ask and it shall be given... Matthew 7:7

Patience--Waiting with God in His timing to get us where we need to be while holding onto Him--not going ahead of Him. Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction and persistent in prayer. Romans 12:12

Kindness--Tenders the heart imitating God by showing compassion and not self-gratification. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Goodness--Is how Jesus would act. It is our actions in being like Jesus. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27 Goodness does!

Faithfulness--Makes us a fighter with our shield of faith and sword of the Spirit as part of our armor of God. (Eph. 6:16-17) When we are rooted with faith to trust God, He takes the lead and fights on behalf of His people. For the LORD your God is He Who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:4

Gentleness--Is how we treat others with humility and respect in the forefront of our actions. It makes smooth our relationships with others. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5

Self-control--We take "self-fleshness" from our lives when we stop letting the flesh control us into what-I-want people. When we consciously turn control over to God letting Him take charge, we experience freedom from, not only the flesh, but also from the devil and the world's influences that lead to destruction. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

The Fruits of the Spirit do not just happen; they grow and mature in us. Just as sunshine grows fruit along with good soil, God's Son shines on us to grow us with the Holy Spirit's power to spiritual maturity for others to recognize.

You will know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:20