fruit of the Spirit

Do you have a “spiritual thermostat” in your home? You probably have a regular thermostat, at least in America. Other than in the U.S., I’ve only lived in the Philippines for a few months, and we didn’t have one there on the wall, but the air conditioner we used had different settings on it.

So, what do I mean by a “spiritual thermostat?” Walking through our home today, I noticed an atmosphere of peace, joy, and love. It felt good and comfortable. I stopped long enough to think about it and figure out, “Why?”

I believe I have been open and honest about my struggle of being married for a second time. Learning to believe and trust someone can be difficult. Honest about how I have fought my fears concerning April and if I could trust her true motives. Needless to say, I have had to talk to God about it, like, a lot! I have complained, cried out, begged, and asked for answers and His help.

God heard me, and in His timing, He answered me. He has helped me be a spiritual leader in our home. He has helped me to believe April and has helped me trust her. He has also given me the strength and wisdom to be quiet and, when needed, to walk away. The result is that the “spiritual thermostat” has been adjusted and is now set to where it should be.

It doesn’t matter if April helps or not. It is my responsibility to do what is required or expected of me to lead us spiritually. I am thankful for God and his help. I like walking around the house feeling peace, joy, and love. And the greatest of those is love.

“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.” This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual qualities such as love, joy, and peace, which are meant to be limitless and transformative in our lives. Gal. 5:22-23 (TPT)

I have been open and honest about being grumpy and having a temper. Especially lately, when I wrote the blog post: “Meany Flowers.” I don’t like myself when I act out! When it happens, I probably should be told to go sit in the corner and think about my behavior. My mother was always “hands-on” if you know what I mean. As in, her hand on my bottom, so I don’t know if time-outs really work or not.

I know I am thankful that God is slow to wrath, or else I’m sure I would have been smitten down by now! (Exo. 34:6-7a) With all of that said, I try my best to work on how I react to people, especially April. I know some may categorize my suggestion for a new fruit of the Spirit under the “Self-Control” fruit. But somehow, what I am going to mention is different.

I don’t want to be like one of those annoying ads on Facebook that keep talking “around” something and never really get right to it. For instance, “Doing this every night before going to bed will help you lose 25 pounds in two weeks!” So, without further ado, I propose the new fruit of the Spirit, “Silence.”

With God’s help, I am learning to remain silent when I get upset. And if I think it will help, I will walk away as well. It’s difficult for me because I believe in communication. As in, they should know I don’t agree or I don’t like their behavior. Instead, it seems to be more powerful to look at them and say nothing. And if I walk away, then as soon as I can, go to God in prayer. For me as well as for them. Who knows? There could be some underlying reason why they said or did what they did.

In no way am I trying to admen the scriptures, but in the MBV (Mark Brady Version), I may have to include “Silence” as one of the fruits of the Spirit. I’ll put it in Gutlations 5:22-23 because it just feels right in my gut to respond that way. Thank you, God, for always being there to help me become more like Jesus, and for not taking me out as soon as I act out.

⁶The Lord passed in front of Moses and said, “I am the Lord. The Lord is a God who shows mercy and is kind. The Lord doesn’t become angry quickly. The Lord has great love and faithfulness. ⁷The Lord is kind to thousands of people. The Lord forgives people for wrong and sin and turning against him. Exo. 34:6-7a (ICB)

Post Note: I wrote this blog post in a quiet corner of a restaurant. At least it was until a young woman who looked to have several issues sat near me and proceeded to watch some video on her phone without using headphones. I was trying to write another blog post, but the noise was distracting. I looked over at her twice, but she acted as if she had no idea why I wasn’t happy with her behavior. I kind of laughed to myself as I thought, “Way to go, God. Make me practice what I write.” I packed up my stuff and walked away, and didn’t say anything.

I honestly feel as if I had said something, she would have vented her anger on me, and that would have made me feel worse! Perhaps her acting out was a way of saying, “Please talk to me.” I’m not sure, but in the moment, it was all I could do to operate in the fruit of the Spirit, “Silence.” I may have been able to help her, maybe not, but one thing I do know is I didn’t hurt her.