Holy Fruit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23

This verse reminds me of Vacation Bible School and the song that I learned to memorize all the fruits of the Spirit. Come on- how many of you are singing that song in your head right now? I am thankful for that song and the fun of VBS, but I know that this verse should mean something more to me than a rhyming song at this point in my life. It is easy for me to look at all of these qualities a Christian should emulate and model in their life and truly desire them for my own life, but I quickly get overwhelmed. I think to myself, "I could probably tackle a couple of those today, but I want to demonstrate Christ in my life in all of those ways." The only conclusion then is- "God help me."

In a devotional my mom gave me called, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, she writes as if Jesus is talking:
"I am creating something new in you: a bubbling spring of Joy that spills over into others' lives. Do not mistake this Joy for your own or try to take credit for it in any way. Instead, watch in delight as My Spirit flows through you to bless others. Let yourself become a reservoir of the Spirit's fruit.
Your part is to live close to me, open to all that I am doing in you. Don't try to control the streaming of My Spirit through you. Just keep focusing on Me as we walk through this day together. Enjoy My Presence, which permeates you with Love, Joy, and Peace."

I am comforted by these words because they assure us that we are not in this alone. God doesn't give us a list of qualities and expect us to get their by our own hard work and effort. We are to rely on Him and let Him do a work in us. I hope this gives you the kind of encouragement it gave me today!