Devotionals

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When I met my husband I noticed right away some very distinguishing characteristics he had. His white goatee beard and blue eyes coupled with his sense of humor were all very attractive to me. His name, Gaetan, also distinguishes him and is very fitting.

One of the characteristics in which I've learned about him is his ability to perceive things as they are and to be non-judgmental. I often describe Gaetan as the kindest man I have ever met.

As Christians, others should be able to distinguish Godly characteristics in us. My pastor is currently teaching on the fruit of the Spirit. In the book of John, Jesus says,

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another."
(John 13:34). MSG

As I learn more about the fruit of the Spirit, (as stated in Galatians 5:22), I also discover that unless I portray this fruit with the kind of love Jesus is describing here, my attempts will be hopelessly futile.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
(Gal 5:22 - 23) NASB

Do you consistently portray God's love towards other by displaying the kind of fruit spoken about here? Is your life filled with love or hate? Joy or sadness? Chaos or peace? Are you cruel to others, or are you kind? How about being filled with goodness or wickedness? Are you unfaithful or faithful? Are you gentle or harsh towards others? Does your life exhibit self-control or are you out of control?

Honestly, as Christians, we display different fruit at different times. The most important part is that we remain consistent. In us and by us, it is impossible to maintain these kinds of characteristics. This kind of fruit is established in our lives through obedience and love for God. Others should be able to ascertain within us distinguishing characteristics that emulate the fruit of the Spirit. Sadly enough, too many so called believers live their lives with nothing but an empty fruit bowl to offer to others. It could be their lack of wisdom, immaturity or selfish pride that keeps them from displaying the kind of love Jesus is talking about here. I have discovered the more fruit I give, the more fruit I have. My bowl runneth over when I am obedient in dishing out fruit among those around me.

Does your fruit bowl of the Spirit need replenishing? God is willing to enable you with the right fruit needed so that your life can be filled with all good things.

O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
(Psalm 34:8) NASB


Copyright 2004 Beside Still Water Devotions by Jane E Morin
http://besidestillwater.faithweb.com

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