Goodness

THE SEED“[We have] everything we need … through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 At first glance, we might think Paul didn’t need to include goodness in his description of the fruit of the Spirit. Goodness can seem to be a catch-all that absorbs every… Continue reading Goodness

Kindness

THE SEED“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us” Titus 3:4-5 The Greek word that is translated as “kindness” in Galatians 5:22 sounds similar to the Greek word for “Christ.” In the days of the early church, that sometimes led to confusion among unbelievers. They weren’t always sure if Christians… Continue reading Kindness

Patience, Forbearance

THE SEED“I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience” 1 Timothy 1:16 When we hear the word patience, we probably think of the virtue that enables us to wait. That’s one way of looking at it, but Spirit-led patience is also much more. Patience… Continue reading Patience, Forbearance

Channels Of Peace

THE SEED“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15 Are you familiar with the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi? It begins with the words “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” Then it describes some ways we can spread… Continue reading Channels Of Peace

Peace

THE SEED“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 Philippians is sometimes called one of Paul’s “prison letters.” That’s because Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned, probably in Rome (see Philippians 1:12-14). While the details of Paul’s imprisonment are sketchy, it probably was… Continue reading Peace

The Secret To Joyfulness

THE SEED“Rejoice always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Our verse for today is one of the shortest in the Bible. But what a big message these two words convey! This verse is a command, which means joy is not optional for Christians. Joyless Christians are disobedient Christians. Not only that, this verse tells us to rejoice always.… Continue reading The Secret To Joyfulness

Love

THE SEED“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” 1 John 4:10 When you think about it, it makes sense that love is the first of the virtues listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as “the fruit of the Spirit.” The… Continue reading Love