“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 5:22-23 (Context: Galatians 5:16-24)
These verses are a usual part of my day. I pray frequently to love all those that I come in contact with daily and for the self-control not to wallow in my sin nature: my all-too-frequent tendency to speak in anger or frustration, to be judgmental, to respond quickly before listening fully. Love and self-control are the bookends with joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness completing that set of spiritual fruits. The beginning is love. God loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son for us. As He gives me the ability to love people that way, good fruit will follow.
As I prepare to celebrate the birth of my Savior during this season of Advent I pray that I will allow the Holy Spirit to work within me so that good fruit is increased.
Libby King
Libby has been a member of Servants of Christ since 2010. She sings on the worship team and serves on the vestry.