"But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Against such things there is no law." (Gal5:22)
Here is a good exercise: Take a piece of paper & write on the 1st line, LOVE. Leave yourself a few blank lines, then write the word, JOY... continue until you've written down each of the 9 fruits of the Spirit of God (listed above). Then in the spaces under each fruit, write down a memory you have, from w/in the past week, when you failed at exibiting that particular fruit, or shall I say... characteristic.
If you find yourself able to write even one experience (of which most will do), pray... ask the Lord to forgive you for bearing bad fruit in His name. & Remember not to pass blame; God didn't allow Adam & Eve back into Eden because they were justified in their action by the manipulation of another being, because the truth is, there is NO JUSTIFICATION for our sour behavior. We must be aware of each moment, discerning what is and is not pleasing to God...
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." (Gal5:16-18)
There is freedom in bearing good fruit, as both scripture stated... "against such things, there is no law", "you are not under law". These are the benefits of desiring & seeking after God & choosing to live by His Spirit. So, when you wake up each morning, recite these to yourself: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faitfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. & check them in the midst of every situation. If you find mold, cut it off.
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)