Several years ago I was part of a group of moms who
got together twice a month. We shared a babysitter while we met to study the
Bible and enjoy each other’s company. Along with our children, Bibles,
notebooks and pens, each of us brought one piece of cut up fruit. As we arrived
at the host home, each of us would add our fruit to a large bowl. No one was
assigned a specific type of fruit to bring. The final mix of our fruit salad
was a combination of what each person chose to contribute. It was a little
different each time but always sweet, nourishing and enjoyable. The variations
of the salad mix depended on the women participating and the choices that they
made for that particular day.
God has placed us together in His body. We each bring something
different when we join together. The Holy Spirit has placed in us the fullness
of His fruit in seed form. As we grow this fruit develops in us. Once
full-grown we have a wonderful variety of godly characteristics to offer to the
world. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit
[the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness),
peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence),
faithfulness, Gentleness
(meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such
things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians
5:22-23 AMP) When we come together and share what has been developed within us,
we create a delicious and nourishing mixture.
Each additional person attending our group study brings another piece
of fruit for our salad. The more members attending on any given day; the more
variety and value is present both in the fruit bowl and in the study/socializing
times. Each of us brings something unique from our shared life. Each of us has
different measures of the fruit of the Spirit within us.
The diversity of each day’s study depended on the women who participated and
the choices that they contributed for that particular day.
A comment from a friend who has experienced God’s peace through a past,
stormy experience has much to offer to someone who is struggling in the midst
of a current storm. “…for He
[God] Himself has said, I will
not in any way fail you nor give
you up nor leave you
without support. [I will] not, [I
will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!
[Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5 AMP) Another who
skillfully speaks a gentle word and diffuses potential tension is encouraging
to someone who is learning to control their tongue. “A word fitly
spoken and in due
season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
(Proverbs 25:11 AMP) One who has learned contentment regardless of life’s
situations can inspire patience, joy and peace to others who hear words. She
can bring hope to others that we can attain the standard the apostle Paul set. “I know how to be abased and live
humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have
learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation,
whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going
without and being in
want.” (Philippians 4:12 AMP)
The examples are
endless. Whenever a group comes together there is a variety of needs as well as
a variety of strengths. There are hurting people and there are those who are
bubbling over with joy. There are also examples among us a faithfulness and
self-control. These people bring encouragement that we can also attain to
higher standards by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we each shine in the
areas of our strengths we can most effectively meet the needs that are present.
When we each come ready to share is when the nourishment is at its peak. Love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
together constitute the full bowl of fruit that the Holy Spirit has in store
for us.
As you go out today be ready to share the fruit
of the Holy Spirit that has been developed within you. Also be ready to receive
and enjoy the fruit others have to offer. Together there is a fruit salad that
is beyond anything one person can create alone. Enjoy the salad!
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