Cultivating the Fruits of the Spirit
|
Week 5 – Day 2 – A Christ Like Life
Devotional:
When I think about the rejection of the Christian faith by so many, it’s not hard to see why people feel often rejected by God. I have faced absolute hostility because I prayed and spoke about God at rallies and protests in recent years. Even an alleged contract being put on my life to shut me up. I have also been chastised by some Christians for daring to take God into such events.
Fundamentalism and legalism always seem to make the headlines that create an image of God and His followers as hard-liners even haters of those who choose a different way of life.
If only those who profess to follow God and those who hate others that do, could only see the true essence of His character. The truth is that not enough of his followers are shining a light on His character in their own outward behaviour and inward thoughts.
If His followers just did what the name suggest and follow then these misconceptions would fade and everyone would want to join them.
This is the heart of the ministry I feel that God is bestowing on me at this time in earths history. A simple and loving, yet courageous and practical walk to Jesus that shines light and brings serenity in the hard times.
In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul writes about the “Fruits of the Spirit,” qualities that are cultivated in the lives of believers through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. These fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not merely traits we exhibit, but reflections of the character of God Himself.
As we assemble the character traits of God manifested in us this week lets break down the Fruits Of The Spirit in reflection.
- Love: Reflect on a recent situation where you demonstrated selfless love towards someone. How did it make you feel? How can you continue to cultivate this kind of love in your daily life?
- Joy: When was the last time you remember experiencing real joy? I am not talking about the feeling you have when buying a new car, but that total joy of knowing that your are truly where you were meant to be? Do you long for that knowing in your life?
- Peace: Consider an area of your life where you struggle to find peace. Have you ever felt at peace when all around you is collapsing? How does surrendering control to God empower you to overcome turmoil and live in alignment with His will?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Papa God, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who works within us to produce these beautiful fruits in our lives. Help us to continually grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Grant us the wisdom to recognise areas where we need to surrender to Your transforming power. Strengthen us to walk in obedience, reflecting Your character to the world around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
