Peace on Earth

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

My family gathered at my brother’s home for Thanksgiving, and as usual our noisy clan enjoyed good food, laughter and love. In the midst of the clamor, I sat in the rocking chair for a bit with my great-nephew, our newest family member. Little Liam (barely 6 weeks old) looked out the window then dozed off to sleep, and he slept despite his siblings’ and cousins’ fun. Holding this precious soul filled me with peace in the midst of commotion.

God’s peace transcends any chaos that might arise in life. As I prepare for the Christmas season, life’s already hectic pace picks up, and at times I am overwhelmed with all that I need to accomplish. That’s when I seek peace. I grab a moment of quiet and let his calm envelop me so that I can share that peace with others.  As the busyness of the Christmas season begins, I pray that God’s peace brings you calm and rest.  


Galatians 5:22-23
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.

I Have the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in my Heart!

John 17:13
“I am coming to you [Father] now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they [Jesus’ disciples] may have the full measure of my joy within them.” 

Imagine with me that you are a child walking through the forest. A fragrance wafts under your nose and you follow the scent. Before you stands a bush filled with shiny pink, plump berries, when you pluck a berry off the bush and pop it into your mouth, the flavor of fresh baked sugar cookies bursts on your tongue. Your body fills with the pure joy of a child enjoying a favorite snack that tastes so good that you want to share it with friends. Pure joy, not happiness, not greediness satisfied, but joy fills your soul.

The child did not work for the berries, nor did they buy the berries, the fruit was a gift left for them to enjoy, appreciate, and share. Jesus gave his life as the ultimate gift. No greater joy comes to mind than for Jesus to love me so much that he died for me. In John 17 he prays for his disciples and he talks to his father about the joy he wants for them. Jesus wanted his disciples to be full of his joy, and he wants us to overflow with that same joy, the joy of knowing him.  

Galatians 5:22
 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.

All You Need is Love

Romans 12: 9-10
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

My mom shared with me this week that my grandson, Zeke, told her “I love you, Ma” in his sweet little toddler voice. Her heart was blessed. Every day when I come home from work, my dogs greet me at the door with their rendition of love, jumping and barking and practically knocking me down. My husband showers love on me and we share our love with our children. God calls us to love, not just those who are easy to love, but all people.   

Jesus tells his disciples, in John 13, to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (I love quoting Jesus) He knew that when he went to heaven he needed to leave his followers with a direct command. Those words are for us, too. Jesus wants us to love each other and to show that love by listening, showing compassion, meeting needs and sharing Jesus. Loving others is not always easy, but God gives us the tools we need and if we tap into his tool box, the Bible, we can love.

Galatians 5:22-23
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. 

Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5: 22-23
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.

Bananas taste good, they look pretty in a bowl, and they fill me with nutrients. I’d rather eat a banana than an apple.  Oranges drip down my chin when I eat them, but I enjoy their citrusy sweetness. I’d rather eat an orange than a grapefruit. Blueberries, the perfect fruit, add sweetness to my cereal and give me antioxidants to fight off disease. I’d rather eat a blueberry than a strawberry.

God created many different fruits for me to eat and he doesn’t care which ones I choose. But, He does care which fruit I nurture in my own life. As a follower of Jesus I am called to produce the fruit from Galatians 5. There are not fruit “s” of the Spirit only fruit. I am not called to choose the ones I like; God wants my life to yield them all. As we head into the holiday season, I will be looking at the fruit of the Spirit and how I can weave them into my life and bless others. I hope that they will bless you as well.