A question for you!
Today I have a question for you. During this busy time of year, what fruit are you displaying in your life?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22, 23
I was out doing some errands and shopping this week. As I look back on my busy day, it is easy to think of examples of times when one could become aggravated, annoyed, unhappy, etc. Lines are longer than usual. Parking lots are fuller than on normal weekdays. All of the shopping carts are taken. Stores are overcrowded with extra gift displays making it hard to maneuver through the aisles. Kids are whining and past ready to go home.
Is it easy to be joyful when you find a parking spot only to have someone else turn and get that spot ahead of you? Is it easy to be patient when there are only two registers open and five people standing in line at each one? Is it easy to be loving to the fellow shoppers who are rude and impatient?
Remember that we can’t be different on our own. On our own we will grumble, complain, and gripe just like everyone else. If we act just like all the other shoppers, what kind of example are we setting? There are so many opportunities for us to shine for Jesus during the Christmas season. It is only by the Spirit living in us that these fruit will become evident. What better time than at Christmas to share His love, joy, and peace with those around us!
I encourage you to check your attitude often (both when you are out shopping AND when you are at home with your family). What fruit are you displaying this Christmas?
Merry Christmas! Have a day of blessings!
What fruit am I displaying.. PATIENCE.
Two sick kids home today. House isn’t clean and I don’t care. Floors need vacuumed, menus need planning. And all I want to do is curl up with my little munchkins and allow them to know how to be a kids and let mama wait on you when your sick.
THen of course if you read my Greatest gift blog post you will see smiles are a big gift of love this year. Christmas cards are little reminders of hope.
Did you answer your own question.. What fruit are you seeing God produce in you this season?
Amy, Yes I guess I should answer my own question! It’s one I’ve been thinking about lately. There are two I’ve noticed…Kindness and Joy. Yesterday I smiled at an older gentleman in the store and he smiled back at me. It make me think how it was just such a simple thing, yet it was a blessing that he smiled back. So it made me realize people notice when you smile.
And for me the joy and patience seem to go together…appreciating the moments God has given and making the most of them, even if it feels like there are many other things to do, God is showing me to stop and make the memories together with my boys. That has been such a blessing!
I am displaying the fruit of joy.
Bethany, you are right on by saying we need to check out attitudes more often a day, especially during the Christmas season.
Thank you for the reminder!