“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.” Galatians 5: 22-23
My daughter-in-law recently said I was sweet. That was a first I don’t think I’ve ever been called sweet and I don’t think I like it. I hope she meant kind. I do try to be kind as it is one the fruits of the spirit. I also try to be gentle which is easier said than done. What that means, of course, is that I need to curb my ego which wants to be first in everything, whether driving or first in line at a store or saying the unkind things that pop into my head.
I have recently been having a lot of printer problems. When I finally got a person on the phone from tech support, he had me doing all kinds of tests on the printer via my phone. He also kept having to go check with his supervisor. I found myself getting very angry. It was all I could do to be polite and thank him for helping me. It was finally decided I had a defective printer. This was the second one! Anyway, my point was that I had to practice patience and kindness despite my anger and frustration.
So, I find myself struggling at times to practice the attributes Paul calls the fruit of the spirit. Arrow prayers are often needed as well as an active prayer life. I am a work in progress as God molds me into the Christian he intends me to be. It takes time with God, openness to His Spirit, laying aside some natural inclinations, and relying on God’s strength. Jesus is our example and He is with us.