I have been pruning recently. Not physical trees in my yard, but spiritually. I call it my fruit tree. In Galatians 5:22-23 it reads "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." The Holy Spirit is in me. Therefore, I should aim to produce fruit of this nature. Mathew 7:20 says "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." So if I do not look any different from the world, how will they see Jesus through me? For example, if I am using the same foul language, or wearing the same provocative clothing as those who don't know Christ, why would they be interested in Him? Why would anyone see the need to change? I am not saying as Christian women we need to dress like nuns. But we do need to keep what is private, private, out of respect for what God gave us.
Lets break down the fruits. I want us to understand what we are called to do, and how learning this way makes our lives more peaceful and enjoyable. . . . .
Love; a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another. This does not mean just other Christians that we deem worthy of our love. We are called to love others as Christ loves us. We didn't have to earn it.
Joy; the expression or display of glad feeling. This definition doesn't mean grin and bear it. No matter what circumstance we are in, if we pray for joy it will come. How many times do we complain about circumstances we can't change. It's exhausting to do and equally exhausting to listen to. If you can't seem to find your joy, think of Christ's sacrifice for you and rejoice in that.
Peace; stillness cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension. This one can be really difficult to grab onto in todays society. We are taught to keep going no matter what. Being still is hard. I am slowly learning. Break out of the busy busy go go mentality, and be still. I promise when you do this you will hear His voice and find your peace.
Forbearance; (refrain from something; patient enduring). I have to admit, I had no idea what forbearance was before looking it up. There may be things in your life that you love, but might not bring out the best in you. Maybe something you know God is calling you to leave behind/refrain from. Mine was reality tv (housewives), I realized watching these shows were not lifting my spirit, and nothing was Godly about them. I have had to refrain.
Kindness; (friendly feeling; liking). Super easy right? I have to say for me this tends to be the hardest with my family. I take out my frustrations on them. Unfair, and this is one branch of my fruit tree I have been pruning lately. Thinking if my words are building up or tearing down. Kindness in our speech is just as important as actions.
Goodness; (moral excellence; virtue; generosity). Generosity doesn't just mean money, but time as well. How generous are you will your free time? If a friend calls and needs to talk will you cut her short, or listen? If a friend needs help moving are you generous? Maybe the church needs volunteers, do you expect someone else will do it, or share some of your time. How generous are you with someone who isn't a close friend?
Faithfulness; (true to ones word, reliable, trusted). To me personally my husband is my best example of this. He will stick to his word no matter what! Especially as a mom I find I say ok, then change my mind. Sometimes this is out of our control, but my husband will make it happen. There are too few people that are true to their word. If you say your going to do something, do it.
Gentleness; (not serve; mild). Be gentle in all ways. Maybe God has given you a word to deliver to someone. Be gentle when delivering it. Gentle in our thoughts, words, and all actions. Everyone is fighting their own battle. Equally be gentle with yourself.
Self- control; (restraint of ones self or ones actions). I am curious as to why God put this as the last fruit. For me it is by far the hardest to attain. Another one I am in the mist of pruning. I lack self control in many areas in my life.
I know there are always things we could be working on in our walk with Christ. It's a dangerous spot to be when we think we have it all figured out. There are no perfect Christians, but that doesn't mean to get complacent. We always have more to learn. If we open ourselves up he will use us.
Praying God helps you prune your fruit tree today.
Much love friends, Devonne Ramer
Lets break down the fruits. I want us to understand what we are called to do, and how learning this way makes our lives more peaceful and enjoyable. . . . .
Love; a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another. This does not mean just other Christians that we deem worthy of our love. We are called to love others as Christ loves us. We didn't have to earn it.
Joy; the expression or display of glad feeling. This definition doesn't mean grin and bear it. No matter what circumstance we are in, if we pray for joy it will come. How many times do we complain about circumstances we can't change. It's exhausting to do and equally exhausting to listen to. If you can't seem to find your joy, think of Christ's sacrifice for you and rejoice in that.
Peace; stillness cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension. This one can be really difficult to grab onto in todays society. We are taught to keep going no matter what. Being still is hard. I am slowly learning. Break out of the busy busy go go mentality, and be still. I promise when you do this you will hear His voice and find your peace.
Forbearance; (refrain from something; patient enduring). I have to admit, I had no idea what forbearance was before looking it up. There may be things in your life that you love, but might not bring out the best in you. Maybe something you know God is calling you to leave behind/refrain from. Mine was reality tv (housewives), I realized watching these shows were not lifting my spirit, and nothing was Godly about them. I have had to refrain.
Kindness; (friendly feeling; liking). Super easy right? I have to say for me this tends to be the hardest with my family. I take out my frustrations on them. Unfair, and this is one branch of my fruit tree I have been pruning lately. Thinking if my words are building up or tearing down. Kindness in our speech is just as important as actions.
Goodness; (moral excellence; virtue; generosity). Generosity doesn't just mean money, but time as well. How generous are you will your free time? If a friend calls and needs to talk will you cut her short, or listen? If a friend needs help moving are you generous? Maybe the church needs volunteers, do you expect someone else will do it, or share some of your time. How generous are you with someone who isn't a close friend?
Faithfulness; (true to ones word, reliable, trusted). To me personally my husband is my best example of this. He will stick to his word no matter what! Especially as a mom I find I say ok, then change my mind. Sometimes this is out of our control, but my husband will make it happen. There are too few people that are true to their word. If you say your going to do something, do it.
Gentleness; (not serve; mild). Be gentle in all ways. Maybe God has given you a word to deliver to someone. Be gentle when delivering it. Gentle in our thoughts, words, and all actions. Everyone is fighting their own battle. Equally be gentle with yourself.
Self- control; (restraint of ones self or ones actions). I am curious as to why God put this as the last fruit. For me it is by far the hardest to attain. Another one I am in the mist of pruning. I lack self control in many areas in my life.
I know there are always things we could be working on in our walk with Christ. It's a dangerous spot to be when we think we have it all figured out. There are no perfect Christians, but that doesn't mean to get complacent. We always have more to learn. If we open ourselves up he will use us.
Praying God helps you prune your fruit tree today.
Much love friends, Devonne Ramer
