‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.’ (Galatians 5:22)

God gave us the Spirit through Jesus Christ. In Him is where we find all these named qualities. The first one love; this is the 2^nd greatest commandment; to love your neighbor as yourself. Aren’t we so often lovers of our own, so self-centered? No, we need to compare ourselves constantly to our neighbors, the people around us. But in a good way, not in envy or jealousy. What I mean with comparing is that we don’t put ourselves higher then others. This all will bring joy and peace. If we accept our surrounders and their ways, peace will follow and you can actually have joy over conversations. We are not to live for ourselves, but for God, in this we are examples as being Christ-like. Being Christ-like is having these fruits of the Spirit. They are gifts from God. Qualities we, during our lifetime, grow in. Like longsuffering, this is where you learn patience, but all for the good in the end. We need to have patience to see God answer our prayers, to wait upon His coming as well!

Kindness and goodness are almost the same. They work together. Where kindness is, goodness will follow. Faithfulness is also a patience-runner. Although it is bin done in faith. Keeping your promises and vows are a big statement, though done in faithfulness. Gentleness is keeping you in control, so slow to anger and having an ear that listens; not only a mouth that talks… And then self-control, it’s mostly about how you think. So you need to make a check-off list of the other fruits of the Spirit, it will help keeping them in control. Do it so being sober minded. Though I find the word self-control a little intimidating, because its God who’s in control. Though He gives us free range to make our own decisions. They will come with consequences either way.

So why is it we need these fruits of the Spirit? It is to prepare ourselves to be presented before God. But also in daily life to present ourselves before others, in it we are to be Christ-like. So to speak walking examples. And what a joy it brings the heart when you carry these fruits. It’s sweet and juicy, like a cup of wine. The first miracle that Jesus did was to provide wine at a wedding feast! We are to prepare for that Wedding feast that is to come, with us as the bride. Jesus is waiting, so let us take on the veil of the fruits of the Spirit and start this preparation for the feast!