It’s autumn in
Wisconsin and the nearby orchards are posting ads as to which varieties of
apples are currently being picked. As one looks at the extensive list of apple
varieties and the calendar of picking dates, surprise and bewilderment may
describe the reaction. So many different varieties, both familiar and never
before heard of, are named. This does not begin to include the hybrids. Among
these hybrids is my personal favorite, Jonagolreds. This is a mixture of
Jonathan, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples. These make the tastiest
applesauce, requiring no additional sweetness. With just a hint of cinnamon the
sauce is wonderful.
Visiting my local market, I find the produce section is also
teaming with these additional varieties of apples. There is a minimum of a half
a dozen apple varieties available year-round. But this time year that number
has more than doubled. The current volume of apple varieties that are available
is both amazing and tasty.
The apostle Paul spoke to the people of Galatia concerning the
fruit that the Holy Spirit develops in our lives. “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) These nine fruit
are present in every believer and being developed as we grow in the Lord. This
fruit benefits the believer and also nourishes those the believer comes in
contact with.
When I consider the fruit of love, I realize that there are many
expressions of true love. A kind word to someone in need is an expression of
love. A couple of water to someone who is thirsty is another expression of that
same love. A gift, a phone call, a visit, a note and many other actions are
expressions of that same love. One fruit, love, has many expressions that are
all valuable. Each of these expressions is like a variety of the apple. At
times, we may combine several expressions of love. Together these become the
perfect hybrid to bring needed nourishment and enjoyment to a hungry soul.
Each variety of apple has its own qualities and usage. Some are
firmer while others are softer. Some apples are tart and others are sweet. Some
work well in baking, while others are best enjoyed fresh picked off the tree.
Not all apples even look like. Although many varieties are red, others are
green or gold. Even those that look alike may have very different
characteristics. A golden delicious apple, which is soft and sweet, sometimes
has a greenish gold color causing it to look very similar to a Granny Smith
apple. This Granny Smith apple is both firm and tart. Both varieties are
very good, but are used and enjoyed differently.
We are all created uniquely by our Heavenly Father. Therefore,
we will express His love in different ways. Our best example of love is
Jesus Christ. He expressed love to people in so many different ways. Wherever
he went he met the people right where they were. The apostle Paul spoke of this
compassion, “How God anointed and consecrated
Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power;
how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who
were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was
with Him.” (Acts 10:38 AMP) The greatest expression of
Christ love was His willing suffering and crucifixion. He endured the
suffering, taking on our sin, simply for the benefit of all of us. We are
likewise to go about doing good and expressing love to all we meet. This will take
on many forms. We are commanded to, “Rejoice with
those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing
others’ grief].” (Romans 12:15 AMP)
There are so many more examples of meeting
needs and showing love in the Scripture. We must allow the Lord to develop the
fruit of love within us. When we follow His voice and express this love, the
world will be able to, “O taste and see that
the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man
who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP) They
will be drawn to the love of God through our love.
Express love today to those around you. Allow
God to show you just what variety of love will be best enjoyed in every
circumstance you find yourself in.
No comments:
Post a Comment