Part 3 - Growing fruit

They are words that are used all the time (both for those with faith, and those without). They’re on: greetings cards, lettering on our walls, hanging from our Christmas trees. Somehow we know the value but yet at times, perhaps, they can seem allusive.

There is the potential for us to spend weeks now looking at each characteristic of the fruit in depth but now does not seem the time for that. So, instead, below are some verses to reflect on if you would like to explore one facet of the fruit of the Spirit more.

Perhaps read and reflect on a verse a day; you could commit to memorizing one; why not doodle or 

draw what leaps out at you from them; maybe you could spend time reading around one using different translations of the Bible. (Needless to say, this list is by no means complete.)

                            

Love

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
• 1 John 4:7 - 21

Joy

• Romans 12:12
• James 1:2
• Psalm 28:6-9

Peace

• John 14:27
• Philippians 4:6-7

Patience

• Colossians 3:12-15
• Psalm 103:8

Kindness

• Colossians 3:12-14

Goodness

• Psalm 23:6
• Psalm 145
• 2 Peter 1:5-8

Faithfulness

• 1 Corinthians 1:9
• Psalm 86:15

Gentleness

• Proverbs 15:1
• Colossians 3:12
• 1 Peter 3:3-4

Self control

• 1 Corinthians 10:13
• 2 Timothy 1:6-7
• 2 Peter 1:5-8
• Romans 12:2

A final note on fruit
Things that are of value can take time and it is often the same as we grow. Let’s acknowledge the real struggle that we find in these different areas but also remember what a great reward there is for our time and effort as we become more like Him who made us. Be encouraged that we can grow, and God is with us as we do.

By Jo P