‘Flexing our Fruit of the Spirit’ in Difficult Times

When things are going your way, it’s easy to show the fruit of the Spirit, but when times are tough, do you struggle with patience or joy?

While we try to safely navigate this global pandemic, it is difficult to be patient with bored children or be joyful when you’re fearful of getting sick or losing your job.

We’re all facing similar challenges with limited options. We can all understand the frustrations of ‘the quarantine 15’, delays in receiving orders you purchase online, not finding necessities at the grocery store or not being able to attend church and sporting events. Being fearful of taking advantage of leisure activities is definitely “a first” for many.

The good news is that God created YOU and we have the Fruit of the Spirit. So, what are the fruit of the Spirit? Let’s look at what God says about the “fruit”:

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Galatians 5:22-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

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When you submit your life to Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit comes naturally. Fear loses its edge because of God’s grace and hope for eternal life. Let’s use this to everyone’s advantage and ‘flex our Fruit of the Spirit’ during this difficult time. What might ‘flexing our fruit of the Spirit’ look like? Here are some suggestions:

• Appreciate what you have. God has provided everything you have and need.
• Give to a food pantry, shelter or other worthy cause if you can do so without financially harming yourself or those around you.
• Encourage those around you.
• Be patient with everyone. People, businesses and government officials…
• Pray for revival, healing and peace.
• Do something fun that brings you Joy.

If boredom, lack of options or lack of live sporting events are the worst things that we’re dealing with ... we’ve got it pretty darn good. If you are affected by illness or unemployed, please seek help. Make sure your faith overpowers your fear through God’s gracious gift of hope for eternal life.

Remember: God loves you, He sent His only Son Jesus to die so you can have eternal life when you believe. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and sent the Holy Spirit to help you. Jesus is returning. You are forgiven, so don’t be ashamed of showing your faith.

During difficult times, let’s all ‘flex our Fruit of the Spirit’!