"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control; against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:22 (ESV)

 

This wonderful verse reminds us of God's good work in us.  I can think of no better verse both to read and think about over and over again. 

 

How do we stay filled with the fruit of the Spirit?  We know only too well about the trials of day-to-day living. 

 

Note the word "patience."  I believe this is a very significant concept.  Patience implies that there are things out there we have to be patient about-in other words, injustice and so forth.  Patience is situated between peace and kindness.  These things are related.  With peace, we can be patient.  With patience, we can be kind.

 

There is such a richness of meaning in this passage that it is almost intoxicating.  Peace, patience, kindness-these three words give us a progression, and the final word is kindness.  Kindness is an act, the outcome.

 

It is clear that those involved in contemplation and meditation must also be dynamic people of action.  We are provoked to acts of kindness by the irresistible and divinely logical power of the Holy Spirit.

 

May you think on these things as you celebrate Christ,

Blessings,

Pat

2025 Murray Moerman (more on Creative Commons, the whole book).
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