"Fruit Findings"

6/23/09 Further Fruit Facts
Not sure facts is the appropriate title here---just more THOTS from me. I’m still musing and chewing on those 9 qualities (behaviors) of the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy. peace patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. Oops when I typed this list from memory, I had left one out----gentleness. Wonder what that means? It probably means that when folks think of me, gentleness doesn’t just pop into their minds ‘cause it sure didn’t pop into mine.

Journal jottings: Verses that precede the “good” list cite the behaviors exhibited when controlled by our flesh/self---some sound horrific (sexual immorality, idolatry, and witchcraft} but there are some subtle ones that are just as sinful. (jealousy, outbursts of anger, and envy) These are all acts of our old sin nature.
Verses that follow the “good” list say that those who belong to Christ have put to death the sinful nature and now live by the Spirit. So it is His work/grace. I need to trust Him to continue building these qualities in my life so that my “walk” manifests His selfless outgoing love for all to see. May others taste and see my fruit that comes in 9 different flavors. Right now my fruit bowl must be lacking in gentleness so I’ll trust Him to stir in a little more and then sprinkle on an extra measure of kindness and continue to blend it all together with His love. Can’t do it without Him!

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 5:9 (KJV)

…..let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25b)