Fruit of the Spirit

In moments when we find ourselves dealing with challenging people remember God is teaching us the fruit of the Spirit. We need to learn how to view our challenges differently and avoid becoming negative, instead realize each challenge is an opportunity for us to grow spiritually because God can use every negative experience we have for our growth whether we realize it or not.

Do you ever feel like you keep getting the same lesson over and over? I certainly do and for me God is saying I have not mastered it yet or that my behavior is not consistent when that challenge arises or perhaps I am still trying to handle situations on my own and I'm failing to ask for His strength. Sound familiar? Perhaps you can relate as well. So often I become frustrated by something & when I stop for a moment I quickly realize I've been given another opportunity to show patience, kindness, gentleness and it begins to change my perspective and how I respond to it. Thankful God is a patient and loving God!

Galatians 5:22-23

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.

When you read about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians which of these are you most consistent with?

God has put me in so many different scenarios where I was given the opportunity to practice the fruit of the Spirit and I will tell you at times I have failed to be patient and other times I have failed to use self control. How about you?

Galatians 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Friends when you face trials remember to pause before you respond to them. Try viewing each of them from a different angle and see it as an opportunity for your growth instead of a frustration.

Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime