Week of August 27, 2001
Melanie H.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things
there is no law."
Galatians 5:22
Is it possible to cultivate some fruits of the Spirit in our lives without the others? Frankly, I don't think so. I believe the fruits of the Spirit tend to increase and decrease together. When you mature in self-control, you also grow in patience and gentleness. You can't choose to emphasize only one or two, because they all come in the same package.
Furthermore, manifesting these fruits in our lives is not an option.J Jesus wasn't just offering a suggestion;J He was very clear as to the place of these attributes in our lives. He said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit...You did not choose me, but I chose you...to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last" (John 15:5,16).
When the fruits of the Spirit are expressed in your life you actually become a delivery system of Christ's love to those around you.
Pray that the Holy Spirit may strengthen your faith in Jesus and, as a fruit of that faith, give you the power of love.
Contributed by Melanie H.
Published Monday August 27, 2001
Week 40 of Liturgical Year C