“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
Welcome to the 30th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we learnt about the fruits of the Spirit: Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control, and how to live them out in our day-to-day life.
On Monday, we learned to extend kindness to everyone, especially those whom others deem undeserving (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus teaches this through the parable of the good Samaritan, who helped an injured Jew even though Jews and Samaritans had animosity towards each other (Luke 10:25-37).
We also learned from the example of Jesus, who ensured that he fed the 5,000 before sending them on their way (Matthew 15:32). The Holy Spirit empowers us to be kind (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, believer, clothe yourself with kindness (Colossians 3:12).
On Tuesday, we learnt that goodness extends beyond having a good character. It is the expression of the Spirit, working in the heart of a believer (Philippians 2:13). We bear fruits of goodness when we let the Holy Spirit shape our actions, words and thoughts (Romans 12:2). When we do good, we shine our lights and glorify our Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).
Wednesday’s article instructed us to be faithful just as God is. We examined God’s faithfulness in keeping His word, including His promise of salvation through Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 7:9, Ephesians 1:3-5). As heirs of God, we must exhibit faithfulness in all we do.
We are expected to be faithful in our devotion to God, in our ministry, in evangelism (1 Corinthians 4:2), and in the teaching of the word to others (2 Timothy 2:2). We must also be faithful in carrying out our secular endeavours (Luke 12:42-44).
On Thursday, we examined Jesus’ demonstration of gentleness as He went about His earthly life and ministry, even in the face of opposition (Luke 9:51-56). The Bible teaches us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19). We must yield to the Holy Spirit as He empowers us to be gentle at all times.
Finally, Friday’s devotional instructed us to put our flesh and emotions under subjection with the help of God’s Spirit. We must exercise self-control in response to situations and in tackling bad habits. When we fill our minds with God’s Word, we are renewed and enabled to conduct ourselves as He would have us (Romans 12:2).
The fruits of the Spirit reside in every believer because of God’s Spirit in us. As we study God’s Word and consciously yield to the promptings of His Spirit, we will bear these fruits much more in our daily lives.
Bible Reading Plan: Catch-up Day – take some time today to catch up with the Bible Reading Plan. Have a great weekend!