Love, Joy, Peace, Patience

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

The fruit of the Spirit is at times evident in my life.

Other times, not so much.

When I show love to others, that's the Spirit showing God's love through me.

My joyful attitude is a result of the Holy Spirit living in me.

When I forget to act with peace, I no longer am showing the fruit of the Spirit in my life.

Those times when I get impatient with others, the Spirit convicts me.

When I forget to act with kindness, God's Spirit humbles me.

And when I lack self-control, the Spirit puts stumbling blocks in my way to slow me down.

I am blessed to be filled with the Spirit to help guide me along the narrow path. 

Help me, Lord, to focus on You.

Add to Your Faith Goodness

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. — 2 Peter 1:5-6 

Since God is love, whoever abides in love abides in God and God in him.

For this reason, God asks us to make an effort to not only have faith, but also goodness.

And knowledge. Then add self-control.

Next pile on perseverence.

And add godliness.

Then mutual affection.

And finally love.

If I possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep me from being unproductive and inneffective in getting to know Jesus personally.

Make Every Effort to Add to Your Faith Goodness

Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. — 2 Peter 1:5-8

We can't add these characteristics to our faith without God working in us.

But when the Holy Spirit works in me, goodness and knowledge become possible.

I can't do it on my own.

Jesus has opened the door with His death and resurrection.

Only He can keep me from being ineffectual and unproductive.

And only as I get to know Him personally.

The Fruit of the Spirit is Love

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:23-24 

The Holy Spirit produces fruit in those of us who follow Jesus.

And that fruit of the Spirit is love and joy.

It includes peace, forbearance, and kindness.

The fruit of the Spirit is also goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness.

Another amazing gift of the Spirit is self-control.

Against these things there is no law.

Add to Your Faith Goodness

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  — 2 Peter 1:5-8

Today is the Ides of March!

And Friday is St. Patrick's Day.

And our friend Laurie's birthday.

May the luck 'o the Irish be with ye!

And the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here's a view of the Del Mar beach in March of 2019.

We're so thankful to God for His amazing creation.

The Fruit of the Spirit

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

These are tough characteristics to maintain.

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-Control

Almost impossible without God's Spirit working within me.

Thus, the fruit of the Spirit!

Add to Your Faith Goodness

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness. — 2 Peter 1:5-6

God gives us situations where we need to have self-control.

And at times it seems impossible without His guidance.

He gives us situations where we need to persevere.

And at times we can't keep going on our own.

Last week I prayed with and for a coworker who was struggling in many ways.

She was broken downhearted, and defeated.

I asked God to wrap a hedge of protection and love around her.

And this morning that prayer was answered, and she was surrounded by support and love.

When she shared with me this turn of events, I mentioned that it was a complete answer to the prayer I had prayed over her last week.

Our God is an awesome God.

He loves and cares for us.

He is adding daily to my faith.

And God is teaching me self-control, perseverance, and even godliness.

Thank You, Lord!

Fruit of the Spirit

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

It's not easy to practice forbearance.

And it's often hard to love those who are mean or inconsiderate to me.

Even so, God calls us to show joy and peace to our neighbors, family members, and coworkers.

He commands us to act with kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.

God wants us to exhibit self-control instead of giving in to our sinful desires.

Today I will have my final Herceptin I-V.

Since Kirk is off school, he will go with me.

I will get to ring the bell at Kaiser.

This is the bell I rang after completing my radiation.

I am blessed.