Gal 5:22-25 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. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
1. Am I demonstrating God’s love?
Even the most aggravating people in our lives represent souls for whom Christ died, and our approach to them should be layered in charity.
2. Am I spreading joy?
Since the fruit of the Spirit includes joy, our cheerfulness should never evaporate under any circumstances. Our joy isn’t in our situations but in our Savior, and that enables us to pass along encouragement, even on dark days.
3. Am I promoting peace?
We must do our best to promote unity in our divided age. It’s not always possible. Jesus said, “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division” (Luke 12:51). He warned us to expect hatred from the world (John 17:14).
4. Am I acting with compassion?
Compassionate people connect with the unseen emotions of others, exercising sympathy and empathy, understanding before seeking to be understood.
5. Am I being generous?
The word “generosity” makes us think of money and charitable giving. But benevolent hearts are generous in all things.
6. Am I exercising integrity?
The other decisions connected with the fruit of the Spirit are anchored by a solid core of integrity, purity, and biblical insight.
7. Am I practicing self-control?
When provoked, it’s the hardest thing in the world to remain calm and collected. Yet the Bible says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly” (Proverbs 15:1-2).
8. Am I a humble spirit?
Humble people don’t think of themselves as higher or lower than others. They don’t think of themselves as superior or inferior. They just don’t think of themselves very much at all—they consider the other person more.
9. Am I patient?
There is short-term patience, which means we don’t easily lose our tempers. And there is long-term patience—perseverance—which keeps us going for the long haul.
