I was thinking on the life of Jesus one evening. While visiting with a friend, he started talking about Galatians 5:22-23, the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
In Jesus’ ministry, He spoke on all of these and demonstrated a life of sacrifice. He showed us that salvation is available to all purely by faith in Jesus.
In Pauls’ letters, he was clear on these attributes that should be used in a Christian life. Letting the Holy Spirit guide produces a life pleasing to God.
Love (John 15:12) – “This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Joy (John 15:11) – “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full.”
Peace (Romans 5:1) – “Therefore having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus.”
Patience (James 1:4) – “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Kindness (Isaiah 54:40) – “But my kindness shall not depart from you.”
Goodness (Psalm 23:6) – “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me.”
Faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23) – “They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”
Gentleness (Matthew 5:5) – “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth.”
Self-Control (Romans 6:14) – “Sin is no longer your master for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead you live under the freedom of God’s grace.”
These words describe the positive character in the spirit that dwell within one’s heart, a heart toward holiness. They remind us to keep Christ at the center of all we do in our spiritual journey.
Colossians 3:15-16 – “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to which also you were called in one body and be thankful.”
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
As I study Galatians 5:22-23 and Colossians 3:15-16, I was most grateful of the time learning about when we open our hearts to Jesus and let the Spirit into our lives. We can faithfully witness with a servant’s heart. God’s love and mercy reach all people. I was moved by how we can carry His message in our daily lives. Have faith in Jesus, give thank to Jesus in all things, pray for His guidance. Open your heart and believe in His word.
In my study of the hymnal and scripture, I find songs most enjoyable. This is one that I feel speaks to the heart and spirit of Jesus:
Spirit Song
“Oh let the Son of God enfold you
With His Spirit and His love
Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul
Oh let Him have those things that hold you
And His Spirit like a dove
Will descend upon your life and make you whole
Oh come and sing the song of gladness
As your hearts are filled with joy
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name
Oh give Him all your tears and sadness
Give Him all your years of pain
And you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name
Jesus oh Jesus, come and fill Your lambs”
Thank you all for the kindness you have shown and patience in helping with my study of the hymnal and scripture. Peace be with you.
Tom Leach lives in Whitesboro and is an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Whitesboro.