Some Parting Thoughts on Fruit

In my studies, I have bumped into many quips that I had written down (mostly without noting how or when or from whom I attained them) to help me focus on my many different paths. I list a few here that may help us remember how important the Fruit of the Spirit must remain in our lives.

Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb… that’s where the fruit is.

Everything God created was created to give forth fruit.

We were placed on this earth not to accumulate but to give away. Everything we own owns us, Why would we want more things?

Blessings are like hugs from God to let you know how much He loves you. Counting blessings is like hugging God back.

The God from whom all blessings flow — what a name!

The blessings of Israel is to draw attention to the God of Israel.

As the parable of the sower demonstrates, all biblical truth comes in seed form.

It may take awhile but no prayer goes unanswered and no good deed fails to produce good fruit.

Love

Love is the most powerful force in the world.

God loves us not because of something in ourselves, but because of something in Himself.

God is a God of relationships. He prioritizes love over labor.

Joy

Joy is essential to the spirit life. Whatever we may think or say about God, when we are not joyful, our thoughts and words cannot bear fruit.

If we refuse to give up hope, we will keep our joy. If we keep our joy, we will keep our strength. Hope takes us into the spiritual realm where God is.

Like the special smell that comes with a drought-breaking rain, God loves the aroma of His children’s joy — especially when He is the source of its delight.

Peace

Nothing can rob you of your hold on grace, or your claim to peace, or your confidence in God without your permission.

Patience

Learn to marvel at God’s patience! And try not to try His patience any more!!

It will go hard with murmurers! God always chastises His children twice if they do not bear the first stroke patiently. [Personal lesson!]

Let nothing trouble you. Let nothing frighten you. All is fleeting. God alone is unchanging. Patience obtains everything. — The one who possesses God lacks nothing, for God alone suffices for all.

Kindness and Goodness

Be kinder than necessary – because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Never underestimate the value of any act of kindness.

What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?

Kindness always pays, but it pays best when not done for pay.

Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.

Faithfulness

Faith breaks the peace between what is and what ought to be.

Faith is a heart full of action, not a head full of facts.

Greatness in God’s eyes is being faithful to God in the best way we know how for the situation we are in at the moment.

Gentleness

God gives preference to children, and the child-like mind.

Give a quiet, calm attention to all those things assigned to your care by Providence.

Self-Control

The person who maintains the reins of his heart and controls the patterns of his mind impresses God.

No matter how discouraging or hopeless or pressing the situation may seem, there is some truth about God that can encourage me, give me hope and bring me back triumphant!

Circumstances do not change us; they expose us.

We live like the person we see ourselves to be.

If God is goodness and beauty and truth and love, I’d do better by reminding myself of this each and every day — so I’ll look for these things in my daily life.

Always remember: Forbidden fruits create many jams.