Weave Self-Control

God Weaves

Galatians 5:22-24 ESV

The fruit, or virtues of the Spirit are characteristics that exhibit a moral standard beyond what man can achieve by his/her own merit.

When the Apostle Paul wrote about the nine characteristics Jesus offers man through the receiving of the Spirit the intent was focused on ‘receiving’.

Man/Woman cannot and is not expected to achieve the fruit by his/her own merit. We receive the fruit when we turn to Jesus and receive the power of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-24 tells us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Once again man/woman cannot achieve the fruit by his/her own merit.

We cannot do it on our own.

The definition is clear. Yet for the most part the culmination of the action of the fruit of God given to man seems to elude modern man. Little is said about man’s inability to succeed without the help of the Spirit of God.

To be truthful I for one need daily reminders and that is one reason I write. That’s because when I write daily I am reminded I cannot DO it on my own.

It’s not from a lack of practice or education. My post high school eleven year journey doesn’t even come close to helping me write about God. While you’d think a seven year 144 hour trek studying the things of God would get me there, it doesn’t. It doesn’t even come close.

The only action that truly leads to truth and love from God is a simple attitude and prayer.

“Lord, show me Your truth.”

So…how can we receive the fruit of the Spirit?

Simply and humbly by seeking God’s fruit (especially self-control) man can receive all God has to offer.

We cannot do it on our own.

So, daily when I write and when I draw I turn to God and I wait for the movement of the Spirit. Some have asked how I know the movement of the Spirit. My only response is by asking the Spirit of God to teach us. Then comes the waiting.

Sometimes I relax enough and let go of my earthly thoughts and I sense the Spirit in a second, sometimes it takes a minute. Here’s the deal. The Spirit is already in me. I first received the Spirit when I was 12 years old. The Spirit IS in me but I need to relinquish my earthly thoughts so I can connect to the Spirit in me.

It’s all about giving up my own control.

Deborah

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