You shall know them by their fruit
As we wrap up a month of reflections this scripture lingers over me. We’ve reflected on 2020 and the unexpected challenges it brought and continues to bring. We reflected on offering hope and peace to a hurting world. We reflected on the people who have impacted our stories and how we impact others. And we reflected on the ways God awakens our hearts, inspires us, grows us, calls us to find balance.
And today, He calls me to Galatians, where I am reminded “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” and I am asked to take a look at how I am doing in these areas.”
The truth is that that answer changes daily and by circumstance. It shouldn’t. If I stand firmly in the knowledge God is good, and God is still on the throne, and God has a plan for my life, and all the other truths that we as Christians profess, then no matter what is happening in my home, my church, my country, or my world, I should see the fruit of the Spirit regardless of circumstances.
And sometimes I do. And sometimes I do not. I am still broken, but I am less broken today than yesterday. I am still wounded, but I am less wounded than yesterday. I produce fruit that doesn’t make the list; judgement, criticism, shame, anger, frustration, but I produce less today than yesterday.
Today, as I reflect on a life of walking with Jesus, that is the win. Every year, I pray I am less of me and more of Him. I pray the same for you. That we would trade hate for love, sadness for joy, anxiety for peace, striving for patience, judgement for kindness, evil for good, distraction for devotion, harshness for gentleness, and gratification for self control, and that each step we take in growing to be more like Jesus, we are able to share His fruits with a hurting world. A giant fruit salad if you will, for all of us to enjoy together.
