Galatians 5: 22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. “
Christmas is just behind us and I am already reflecting upon the joyous Christmas season we have celebrated. Even though for some the celebrations still looked a bit different this year—whether health issues impacted gatherings or weather-related challenges disrupted plans—my husband and I had a wonderful time sharing moments of worship, fellowship and play with family and friends. My usual tradition of hosting three afternoon tea events were carried out as usual, with each group of women delighted to be able to gather once again.
I still have precious memories of one of the Afternoon Teas I hosted a few years ago—“The Gifts of Christmas”—the gifts that we receive from having a relationship with The Greatest Gift, Jesus, and how we can use them to give back to others.
At Christmas, God had so much more in mind than just the birth of a baby. He had already set into motion the entire redemption story which included Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. When God gave Jesus—the Greatest Gift—we were invited to accept His gift of salvation through His Son. God also had in mind another gift, the gift of the Holy Spirit to seal our salvation, to remain and reside in our hearts as our Helper, and to produce fruit in our walk with Him.
When one chooses to enter into a relationship with Christ, there are nine specific qualities that come directly from God Himself that only He can produce in us, and they are listed in today’s scripture verse. As the Holy Spirit works in us, and as we cooperate in that work, we begin to demonstrate these qualities in our daily lives. The work is fundamentally relational, flowing from our union with Christ and then flowing beyond to bring us into fellowship with others. Each one is a gift to us but have you thought that each one is a gift we can give back as a gift in the lives of others? Here are some scriptures to encourage us as we think about how to gift them to others in the new year to come:
• LOVE: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27
• JOY: We write these things so that our joy may be complete. And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. 1John 4-5
• PEACE: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:17-19
• PATIENCE: And let patience have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:4
• KINDNESS: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:22
• GOODNESS: Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9
• FAITHFULNESS: Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3: 3-4
• GENTLENESS: Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the gentleness of wisdom. James 3:13
• SELF-CONTROL: But hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. Titus 1:8
May we be inspired to give to others these Gifts of Christmas all year long as we would have others give them to us. Happy New Year!
Lord God, thank you for the Gifts of Christmas that come from your Son, Jesus. We ask Your Holy Spirit to fill us with hearts that demonstrate Your great gifts, producing qualities that reflect You. In the new year to come, may we love others because You first loved us and may we give richly to others from the richness You have given. Help us to give unselfishly, lavishly, and without expecting anything in return. It’s in His unmatched name we pray. Amen
~ painting via Chuck Adams
