Faith, Flourishing, and the Fruit of the Spirit
As I was out walking this morning, I noticed a tree; something about it made me pause. One side of the tree stood bare, its branches stripped, and a few crumbled leaves hung on. But the other side was flourishing, lush, full of bright, vibrant green leaves. It was like looking at two different seasons living in the same tree. And suddenly, I thought, this is life.
Right now, we are living in a world full of stark contrasts. On one side of the same coin, there's abundance, and on the other, lack. Some are flourishing while others are just surviving. Some have peace, while others wrestle with unrest. Some have more than enough, and others are praying to make it through the day. But then I was reminded, we get to choose what flourishing looks like in our own lives.
Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there are obstacles, most of them internal. But we still get to choose how we show up. We get to choose what we focus on.
Do we listen to the noise of the world, or do we go inward? We get to build ourselves up, mind, body, and spirit. We get to connect with the God within us.
To hear the still, small voice. To dream, to envision, and then to walk boldly toward the life we know we're capable of living.
Think it. Dream it. Become it.
"Be strong and courageous. Overcome evil with good."
God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or imagine. As mother, Mother Mincy, from Target Word Prayer Ministry would say, "Trust Him." So, who am I trusting? Are you trusting?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."
We don't talk enough about how God lives within each of us. That divine spark? It's in you. God uses people, ordinary people, to bring about flourishing on this earth. And we each have a role to play. The Word says we are all members of the same body. So if you're the eye, see well. If you're the foot, walk strong. If you're the hand, mold with care. Whatever your role is, show up and serve with excellence.
The Bible also says that we will do even greater things than Jesus did. What are those greater things? What does that look like in a time when faith is being tested from every side?
We all have some unearthing to do, mind, body, and spirit. There's healing and excavating to be done. God allows the wheat and the tares to grow together, and for a long time, I didn't understand that. But now, I'm grateful. Because without the pruning, the hardship, and the contracts, I wouldn't have this perspective on life, on God, on myself, or on my neighbor. It's easy to get caught up in ourselves. It's harder to walk the righteous path to love God, love ourselves, and love our neighbor as ourselves.
And here's something important: Some people don't yet know how to love themselves. So they love others the way they love themselves, poorly. But instead of judging, let's extend grace. Let's offer patience, kindness, and compassion. Let's live out the fruits of the Spirit, especially when it's hardest. Don't let someone else's struggle change your heart. Love people through their pain. Love them right where they are. Forgive them whether they understand the hurt or not.
And remember: Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase. Let God grow the good things that have been planted in you and in others. So today, love your neighbor well. But first, love yourself well. Be kind to you. Be compassionate with yourself. And keep growing.
I love you with the love of Christ.
Have a phenomenal day!
Stacie J.
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