Fruit of the Spirit

Date: November 15, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

B - Bible Verse: Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

L - Listen for God's Word and pray:  "Heavenly Father, as we explore these verses, open our hearts to receive Your Word. Help us to rediscover the joy that flows from Your Spirit. Guide us in nurturing the fruits of the Spirit in our lives, especially the joy that surpasses all circumstances."

E - Explore the History and Meaning:  The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians to address issues of legalism and the importance of living by faith in Christ. In these verses, he discusses the fruits of the Spirit, which are qualities that manifest in the lives of those led by the Holy Spirit. Joy is not just happiness based on external circumstances, but a deep-seated gladness that comes from knowing and walking with God. It's a joy that remains even in trials and tribulations.

S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key Words or Phrases:

Fruit of the Spirit: These are the qualities that result from a life led by the Holy Spirit.

Joy: It's a sense of gladness, contentment, and delight that transcends circumstances.

S - Summarize and Share: 

Devotional: Rediscovering joy is like finding a hidden treasure. In Galatians 5:22-23, we're reminded that joy is not something we muster up on our own, but a fruit of the Spirit. It's a joy that doesn't waver with life's ups and downs. This joy flows from our relationship with God.

Imagine this joy as a wellspring within you, bubbling up even in the driest of times. It's not a fleeting emotion but a profound contentment that comes from knowing that, no matter what we face, we are deeply loved and eternally secure in Christ.

Rediscovering joy involves surrendering to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work in us, producing this beautiful fruit. It's recognizing that true joy isn't found in possessions, achievements, or circumstances but in the One who never changes, Jesus Christ.

So, as we seek to Rediscover Joy this month, let's invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate this precious fruit within us. Let's share this joy with others, knowing that it's a gift meant to be shared. In doing so, we reflect the joy of our Heavenly Father and brighten the lives of those around us.

As we meditate on Galatians 5:22-23, let's ask ourselves: How can we actively cultivate the fruit of joy in our lives? How can we bring joy to those we encounter daily? Let's embrace this season of Rediscovering Joy and let it shine through us.

4 Bible Cross References:

Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

James 1:2-3 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Psalm 51:12 - "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."