Probably the hardest fruit of the Spirit to work on. Probably the one that we truly need the most; the one that can contribute to the ability to use the other fruits too! Maybe that's why Paul saved it for last. Read: Galatians 5:22-23 Context: See Intro Notes: Webster // ability to control oneselfGreek // ἐγκράτεια, e[...]

Gentleness can be simple when we're thinking we need to be gentle when holding a baby, helping the injured, or picking a flower. But what about this biblical gentleness that's more about humility? How easy is that? Read: Galatians 5:22-23 Context: See Intro Notes: Webster // quality of being kind, tender, or mild-manneredGreek /[...]

Faith. Faithful. Faithfulness. A lot of words to consider meanings. These words can lead to great conversations about how we can trust scripture, God, and each other. Read: Galatians 5:22-23 Context: See Intro Notes: Webster //  quality of being faithfulGreek // πίστις, pistisActive meaning of believing & trusting[...]

There are quite a few meanings for the word goodness in the Greek language. This meaning is less shiny and proper and more about the quality of doing what is right. So a little stern and strong in convictions. Read: Galatians 5:22-23 Context: See Intro Notes: Webster // quality of being morally good or virtuousGreek // ἀγα�[...]

Who doesn't think we need a little more kindness in the world? What a world it would be if we could all be more empathetic and merciful. Just driving to and from the grocery store would be more pleasant. Digging into these fruits has been, for lack of better words, fruitful. Looking at what the original words and meanings are can help us to comprehend[...]

In the circles of motherhood I'm in, patience is a common thing for prayer. Moms need the ability and capacity to handle motherhood. But don't we all need this ability, motherhood or not? What a world we could live in if we all had more patience. Driving through traffic would be more pleasant. Read: Galatians 5:22-23 Context: See Intro[...]

A goal for the world, both believers and nonbelievers, would probably be for peace. That beauty pageant cliche answer about world peace isn't just a made up thing, it's something that would be amazing. Wouldn't it? Since we can't really make world peace happen, what about peace in our homes? What about peace in our own hearts and minds? Read: G[...]