Jenny’s letter 3rd November
Dear Friends,
As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect the character of Christ. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul identifies nine virtues he calls the fruits of the Spirit. These aren’t just traits to admire—they are qualities God desires to grow in each of us as we walk in step with the Spirit. These “fruits” form the core of a life aligned with God’s will, enriching our relationship with Him and others. They are accessible to and should be visible in all Christians and of course you will also meet them in those who do not believe.
1. Love is the foundation of all the fruits—a selfless, unconditional care for others, reflecting God’s love for us. It goes beyond feelings and seeks the good of others.
2. Joy is a deep-rooted happiness that doesn’t depend on circumstances. It’s the assurance that God is with us, bringing us gladness even in challenging times.
3. Peace is an inner calm and confidence that comes from trusting God, allowing us to face life’s storms with a steady heart and bring comfort to others.
4. Patience is the ability to wait with grace and endure hardship without frustration, mirroring God’s patience toward us.
5. Kindness is a compassionate spirit that seeks to uplift and care for others, often through small acts that demonstrate God’s love in action.
6. Goodness is living with integrity and moral character, choosing what is right in God’s eyes and being a positive influence.
7. Faithfulness is loyalty and commitment in our relationships with God and others, reflecting God’s steadfastness in our own lives.
8. Gentleness is strength wrapped in humility, handling others with care and respect, as Jesus did, even in difficult situations.
9. Self-Control is the discipline to manage our actions, thoughts, and words in a way that honours God, resisting temptations that pull us away from Him.
Living by the fruits of the Spirit doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a journey that unfolds as we commit to walking with Jesus daily. By spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and staying connected with other believers, we invite the Holy Spirit to nurture these fruits in our lives. When we surrender our hearts to God, He transforms us, making us more like Christ.
Each of these fruits plays a unique role in our spiritual growth and witness. They shape our character and reflect the Kingdom of God here on earth. Let us strive, with the Spirit’s help, to embody these virtues in all that we do, so that others may see God’s love and grace in us. There may be some fruits that come easily to you – perhaps you are a naturally patient person, or you demonstrate love easily. But there will be other parts of our character that require a little extra attention. Only this week I was reminded of several of the fruits that I need to work on!
And as God is generous with his love and forgiveness of our imperfections, so we are called to do likewise to others.
We will always be a work in progress and that’s ok. What is important is that we become more self-aware and recognise those aspects of our personalities that require us to put in a little more effort. As we do, may we remain encouraged, knowing that God is faithful in completing the work He has started within us (Philippians 1:6). The fruits of the Spirit aren’t just attributes to aspire to—they are the markers of a transformed life and the beautiful evidence of God’s love working through us.
May you be open to receiving God’s gifts and blessed richly by them this week,
