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4.   FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT  October 01

I have been struggling with what to write for this next “Shmoozing” section.  I would write a little, and then be distracted by something-anything!  My mind would not stay on what I thought was a great topic; it kept wandering.  Finally, realizing I should have done this in the first place, I went before the Lord and asked what He wanted me to write and how He wanted me to write it.  Here is a little bit of insight into me!  It is for you, but also for me!

For the Fruit of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…(Galatians 5:22) 

This is one of my “life” Scriptures.  One that I try to make a part of my everyday walk with G-d.  One that I try to “live by.”  I do not always succeed.  But I try.  Often, I ask G-d to show me those times when I have failed to show fruit in a situation or with a person.  Those times are my most satisfying and most cleansing with the Lord.  Repentance is sweet!

I work very hard to try to develop good fruit in my life.  I show kindness and love, even to those who are not so kind or loving.  I am a believer that actions really do speak louder than words.  I take responsibility for my actions.  Rather than accuse others or point my finger, I try to acknowledge my part, ask forgiveness and continue on from there.  I tend not to go “back to the begats,” so to speak.  Often this leads to misplaced judgment by others, but G-d is my defense!

When I need to correct someone, I try to be as gentle with them, as I would like my Corrector to be with me.  We can be so harsh in our dealings and judgments of others.  Even though I am sometimes on the receiving end of the harsh dealings, I try to treat others, as I would like to be treated.  I try to be patient with others as they try to find their way.  It is much easier for me to be patient with others than it is for me to be patient with myself.

It gives me the greatest joy to see others seeking G-d in their own lives.  I receive joy in being a part of the process.  The Lord continues to use me mightily in this area.

I tend to be an optimist, always looking for the good in others and trying to do good myself, just like Yeshua would.  I am not naïve, but I am very willing to give the benefit of a doubt, the next chance or a clean slate.

Even though I tend not to discuss them, I have difficulties in my life, just like everyone else, but I live mostly on an even keel, not swaying with every idea or wind of doctrine or circumstance.  I have peace in the midst of every storm in my life.  That “peace that passes understanding” really does exist.

I do not gossip.  I do not betray confidences.  I try to be an encourager.  I am a true and faithful wife.  I am a true and faithful friend.  I am a true and faithful servant of the Most High G-d.  He is my Rock!  He is my Firm Foundation!

I believe that the reason self-control is listed as the last fruit is because it takes development of ALL of the other fruit to have IT.

I have not mastered fruit in my life.  It is hard work to prepare the soil, plant the seed, water and wait, and take in the harvest-all in my own life.  I fall short, often, from the mark G-d has set before me.  I try to see that, and make corrections when necessary.  I have more success than failure, and I need to remember that more than I do (I am my own worst critic).  I am an encourager.  I need to walk in that, more than I do.  I desire to get my self-respect and self-image from my G-d, Who sent His only Son to shed His blood for me.  How special is that!

Love and blessings,

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