Fruta

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

So... I've read this pair of verses quite a few times before, but I never seriously considered the application beyond surface Christianity until today. For me, these verses (and their context Galatians 5) have two specific implications for my life. They are (and I hope this does not oversimplify things): (1) Seeing these fruits in my walk with God and in my day-to-day experiences/actions will show me whether or not I am led by the Spirit (a gift of God, not merely my own decision or efforts)... or giving in to the sinful nature (You're probably saying 'duh') (2) If I want to discern... by the grace of God... a person or situation to see if they are of God (or at least consistent with who they claim to be) I can scroll down the fruit of the Spirit checklist regarding the specific situation outwardly and what the Spirit is telling me inwardly (like a sixth sense). The latter of the two is probably the most meaningful to me at this moment in my life, however. I look at the fruit of the Spirit and I can apply it to current practical situations: relationship, school, career outlook. Then I can sift each situation through the fruit of the Spirit specifications, like am I patiently waiting/relying on God to provide me with Mr. Tailored-for-Me or am I frustrated and mad about being expected to patient? Why did I choose to re-apply to graduate school in the places I did?... What will my final decision be based on (provided I'm accepted to both)?... Thinking about my career situation would follow similar questioning, but overall discerning these things involves more than questioning. Asking a simple question provides initial on-the-spot screening but I think we really should ask the Holy Spirit to reveal dimensions of whatever or whomever we're dealing with that we can only see through spiritual sight.

But yeah, I could go on and on about that... I just wanted to share what I saw.
Posted on 1.16.2007 at 1:03 PM