Life In The Word

[Brandy]

The Fruit of the Spirit

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit.…is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence).…
— GALATIANS 5:22,23

Each one of us is presented with a variety of opportunities to manifest the fruit of the Spirit every day of our lives. The fruit of the Spirit operating in our lives is linked to our spiritual maturity. God has shown me that the fruit should be the container in which the glorious gifts of the Spirit are carried.

There is a responsibility attached to Christianity to walk in integrity — to “walk the walk,” even when nobody notices.
At some time in life we may find ourselves involved in a relationship with someone who is difficult. We may try our best to be sweet — to obey God and bear the fruit of the Spirit despite the way the other person acts. We must not become discouraged; we must “keep on keeping on.” Some of the most severe tests in our lives can involve relationships that try the very fruit in which we are attempting to walk.

Learn to operate in the fruit of the Spirit. God has a good plan for you. The manifestation of the fruit of His Spirit through you makes the difference in how soon you begin walking in that glorious plan.

Say This:
“I allow the fruit of the Spirit to manifest in my life so that I may walk in the glorious plan God has for me.”


Joyce Meyer, Life in the Word: Devotional

 

[Brandy]

Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit

[After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
— ROMANS 14:17

God’s Kingdom is not made up of worldly things but consists of something far greater and more beneficial. God does bless us with material things, but the Kingdom is much more than that: It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Righteousness is not the result of what we do, but rather what Jesus has done for us. (1 Corinthians 1:30) When we accept this truth by faith and receive it personally, a great burden is lifted from us.

Peace is so wonderful — it is definitely Kingdom living. We are to pursue peace, crave it, and go after it. (Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11.) Jesus is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14.) God’s will for you and me is the peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7 KJV.)

Joy can be anything from calm delight to extreme hilarity. Joy improves our countenance, our health, and the quality of our lives. It strengthens our witness to others and makes some of the less desirable circumstances in life more bearable.
It is clear in the Word of God: Seek God and His Kingdom, and He will take care of everything else. (Matthew 6:33.)

Say This:
“I seek first the Kingdom of God. I seek righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. All other things are added unto me.”


Joyce Meyer, Life in the Word: Devotional