Karl's Blog

Devotional7.31.24

Dear Faith Family, 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law, (Galatians 5:22-23). 

I’m pretty sure that the fruit of the Spirit is blueberry.  You might ask “why”?  Go ahead, ask.   

Well, earlier today, just a few minutes before lunch, a friend graced my office with his presence (and his presents).  In his hands was a blueberry cobbler thing (his wife created the masterpiece, and he was delivering it) fresh out of the oven.  Yes, he was holding the pan with hot pads.  And the aroma! 

Now don’t judge.  It’s nothing more than fruit, nuts, and vegetables.  That’s right.  Blueberries, pecans, and butter (that’s just grass that runs through a four-legged processing plant – i.e. a vegetable - duh).  Ok, there is sugar (maybe a little bit).  But that too comes from a plant – again, vegetable. 

And there it was right in front of my eyes and my nose and now my tummy, the fruit of the Spirit!  The fruit of kindness.  My wife is on a mission’s trip and in her absence my gracious friends gifted me with the fruit of kindness.  What a privilege! 

So, here’s the thing.  Ok, two things.  

One, who has gifted you with the fruit of kindness?  A phone call?  A card?  A text?  A gift?  A lunch?  Give thanks.  What a great practice to help recognize the fruit of the Spirit – kindness.  Take the time to make mental note of the sight, the smell, the taste, and even the sound of kindness.  And then give thanks to God for His fruit in the lives of the people around you. 

Two, whom have you gifted with the fruit of kindness?  You know, let someone else go first.  Tell someone that you’ve been thinking about them.  Ask someone how you can pray for them.  Invite someone to participate with you and your family (a meal, an adventure, a movie, a ball game, a worship service).  Help someone in their hour of need.  Ask God for His heart that you might bear His fruit, the fruit of kindness, in your life.  Ask for opportunities to share that fruit today. 

Enjoying the fruit of the Spirit, 
Pastor Karl