Several years back I enjoyed a wonderful conversation over tea with my husband’s grandmother about her life’s experiences. The wisdom shared by this kind and gentle woman of purity, grace and impeccable character was genuine and sincere. One piece of advice took root immediately in my heart when Grandma Clarice shared with me her memory of the wonderful fifty-five years of marriage she had experienced with her adoring husband. When I asked her to explain to me how and why her marriage withstood the test of time and overflowed with contentment, her answer was simple and profound as she said, “just love.” Over the years I have pondered her statement many times and shared her advice with several friends along the way. Coming from her lips this virtue sounded so easy, but I guess that’s what happens when maturity and experience do the talking. In my still emerging walk towards humility, growth and understanding in my marriage, those two simple words don’t always seem possible. When … [Read more...]
A Fruit Overlooked
Paul speaks to us in the book of Galatians 5:16-23 about life in the Spirit: 16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now I am not calling God out on the Heavenly … [Read more...]
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