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. (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 of
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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