Some days, a passing comment can stay with you, nudging your heart, stirring a quiet reflection.
In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he writes about life by the Spirit, and the fruit that shows in our lives as a result. It’s one of those Bible lists I learnt by heart growing up: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Though, if I’m honest, I usually forget gentleness when trying to recite them from memory!)
What’s striking is how these fruits often show up in everyday, ordinary interactions. You probably know people who bring joy with them wherever they go, or who just radiate kindness or patience. I do, and I find myself drawn to them. I want to be around them.
Today, I had one of those moments that made me stop and wonder. A friend at work asked if I was going to be at something tomorrow. I said I wasn’t sure, I wasn’t scheduled to be there. They just smiled and said, “It’s just better when you’re there.”
That simple comment made me pause. Could it be that I’m showing some fruit of the Spirit? Maybe there’s a gentleness that puts people at ease, or a peace that settles a room?
And it made me wonder: what fruit is growing in me? What’s the evidence of the Spirit at work in my life?
What about you? What fruit of the Spirit do others see in you? What fruit do you want to see more of in your life and your relationships?
Maybe take a quiet moment today to pray, to reflect, and to ask God to grow that fruit in you.
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