“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
~ Galatians 5:22-23/NIV
Dr. David Jeremiah said: “You don’t need to walk through life as a question mark. You need to walk through life as an exclamation point!” Hearing this caused me to reflect upon my life! Although I may consider myself one or the other, I thought to myself, how do people see me? I also wondered what impact I’ve had on others. Positive or negative? Have I helped people in life in a way that matters and made a difference? Have I been good enough? The thoughts kept rolling!
I’ve learned, in life, not to determine my self-worth based on other’s opinions. There is a saying that provides insight into how humanity may see us: “Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons.” I could be good enough, but my demeanor may be too positive for some which may irritate them. If they’ve been in a gloomy cave for too long, a ray of sunshine from me may make them squint and cause pain! I will be an irritant and of no value to them! Still, I wondered – how do people see me?
I have had many mentors in my life! They were my mentors because I saw something in them that reflected strength, maturity, friendship, a caring nature, and a quality soul! They were kind, caring, helpful and supportive. They taught me better ways of doing things. They demonstrated Fruit of the Spirit qualities: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control! I saw the qualities my mentors had. I saw who they were! These qualities became woven into the fabric of my existence and purpose in life.
The focal verse reminds me of qualities I should embrace and demonstrate. Having salvation through Jesus Christ, I have access to these qualities and should seek to demonstrate them routinely. When people look at me, I hope they see Fruit of the Spirit qualities! When people see me, I hope they see an exclamation point, not a question mark! By my statements and actions, I seek to reflect an exclamation point indicating the presence of Jesus Christ! He is the Way!
Self-reflection considerations: What do people see in me? Does my life reflect a question mark of uncertainty or an exclamation point indicating strength in Jesus Christ? Do they see Fruit of the Spirit qualities? Good considerations!
Many blessings to you!
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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