A while back I joined a group of women to do a Beth Moore Study on the Fruit of the Spirit. It is based on the verses in Galatians 5: 22,23:“The fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
I knew I had lots to learn, since it never really meant more to me than the fact that it is a beautiful verse and that it would be a nice list of attributes to have.
We began this study with a review of how and why God allows His Spirit to work in us. To begin with, it is God’s Spirit who creates in us the awareness of sin and our need for God. If we do not quench that desire, the Spirit will continue to lead us, help us and even pray for us. When we invite God's Spirit to lead us, we can be a positive influence in the lives of those around us. The evidence of this kind of relationship will show itself by the fruit of the Spirit.
We went into a detailed separate study of each "fruit" so to speak and what this kind of fruit would look like in the way we relate to those around us. I came to realize that, in my flesh, I do not possess these kind of character traits and that I continually need to allow the Spirit to lead me and to help me.
This might be a bit of a stretch for me and stepping out of my comfort zone – but over the summer months I’d like to focus one day a week on a particular fruit of the Spirit. Let it be a devotional for me and for anyone who wants to “peek in.” And maybe, as we enjoy the abundance of fruit this summer, we can become more aware of the fruit produced in our lives when we yield to the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.
14 comments:
I love that idea Anneliese.
We so often focus on the external things of our lives. You know what I mean, superficial things. It is those godly things that matter, should matter and take over our lives to be better people and move more towards God and beocme who He has created us to be.
I look forward to learning from you and with you!
What a great idea! Thanks for your willingness to 'step out'.
Wonderful idea Anneliese!
That analogy has fascinated me all my life, and I remember introducing my children to that in the early years.
Thankyou for being brave and wanting to do the "Fruit of the Spirits" in Galatians. I too thought very much like you about them but it reaaly feels that I am encouraged to learn them more and I have to admit I am scared but also excited if you know what I mean.
Angel
Really looking forward to these devotionals!! When I was young I learned that the Fruit of the Spirit is a collective noun. We can't just say, "Well, I have love and joy and kindness, but I sure don't have any patience or self-control." Daily I need to yield and submit my life totally to the Holy Spirit's leading and He will bring forth His fruit through my life. Blessings are you prepare and share!
Anneliese. . .I sure could do with a bit of study in this area. .
I think you are the perfect person to do this. . .not that you are perfect. . but rather that you have a humility that makes learning from you a joy.
I did this study a couple of years back and so very much enjoyed it...
I once read a prayer that said "I CHOOSE to have love, I CHOOSE to have joy, I CHOOSE to have peace..." I often think about that. It is a daily choice.
I have learned so much through Beth Moore's studies, but have not done this one. I am looking forward to your encouragement in the coming weeks. Timely for me. Thanks Kathy
Looking forward to it! I'm doing this study right now (gift from you). And hey, nice fruit basket! Looks familiar :-)
this is a wonderful idea and i am looking forward to it. thanks for your words.
Anneliese, I too have benefitted from other Beth Moore studies, but haven't done this one in particular. I will look forward to your devotionals! Umm, could you do "patience" really soon?? Could use some help on that one! :-) LOL!!
Our group starts this study tonight. I'm looking forward to it. But as you say it's a little out of my comfort zone too. But I guess that's what I need to grow and learn.
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