This guest blog is the first of 2012 and is by Giselle Aguiar. Find out more about her and her writing below.

We’re not perfect. How many times have you used the line, “I’m not perfect!” to explain away a mistake, faux pas or a bad decision?

We’re human. Humans make mistakes. The idea is to learn from the errors of our ways. If we don’t, then we’re doomed to repeat them.

If we keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting the same results, that’s insanity. (Or stupidity – depends on how you look at it.)

God is perfect. Jesus was and is perfect.

Even though Jesus got angry at the money changers and sellers in the temple, he had a right. They were cheating people in the middle of the temple grounds!

Being angry is not wrong. Lot’s of things make us angry. It’s what we do with the anger that matters. If we try to change something that’s wrong to make it right, then it’s ok. If we harm someone just to get revenge or even taking it out on an innocent person, that’s wrong.

Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ~Matthew 5:48

We must strive to be perfect, like Jesus.

That should be the goal of every Christian. When a non-believer becomes a believer, Jesus gives the new Christian the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is inside each believer and with them constantly.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ~Galatians 5:22-23

Every Christian can call on the Holy Spirit 24/7 to help them with any of these fruits. For instance, self-control and patience when you feel angry and vengeful.

Or remember WWJD? What Would Jesus Do? If we all stopped and asked ourselves WWJD? Before reacting to a situation, our world would be a different place.

It’s that simple.

Giselle Aguiar

Award-Winning Christian Author

Giselle’s debut novel, Deo Volente (God Willing): Love in the First Century won second prize in the 2010 Women of Faith Writing Contest and is available through your favorite book seller. (http://www.giselleaguiar.com/novel1)

She currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona where she works as freelance social media strategist and is working on the second book in the series – “Follow Me: Love in the Second Century”. She is an avid blogger and an active member of First Christian Church of Phoenix where she volunteers at the food pantry. She recently started the WWJD Revival. (http://www.giselleaguiar.com/wwjd/blog)

How many of you know it’s in the DNA of every man to be the one who comes to the rescue? We need to be the one who saves the day. Especially in the eyes of our wives and kids, we must be the hero.

So what happens when all we can do is watch the baggage? We do what we can and wait patiently for hope to be actualized.

Paul says us we have to be patient with hope:

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25 (New International Version)

I know it’s not easy. But don’t give up being patient.

Find out more at HopeInTransition.com

I need to admit I’ve got to learn more than I teach. I know I can only teach what I’ve learned. I don’t have all this together, but I do have an understanding of I can pass onto you.  

We picked up a dog on the weekend that is great with the kids, but afraid of me. It’s really testing my patience… anyway, the thought occurred to me that the Father is probably using the dog to teach me more about Him, so I’d better be ready to listen. One of the ways I listen is to meditate on what I know.

Here’s some of what I know about growing the fruit of the spirit.

We need to be growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. So how do we do it?

There are 5 truths of the fruit of the Spirit we need to understand and implement into our lives.

• The Fruit Reflects the Goodness of God
• The Fruit is Natural to our Spiritual Nature
• It is Our Choice to Grow in the Fruit of the Spirit
• Growing the Fruit is a Process
• The Holy Spirit Empowers Us

The Fruit Reflects the Goodness of God

When people see the fruit of the Spirit in us, they see the reflection of the Goodness of God. We may not possess these qualities in ourselves, and if we do, they pale at what God will eventually have us reflect.

The moon does not have its own light, but reflects the light of the sun to the part of the world that’s away from the light. There are two things that happen to stop the light from the sun being reflected to the world. They both have to do with the position of the moon.

When the world comes in between the moon and sun whose light it was created to reflect to the part of the world that’s away from the sun, it’s called a lunar eclipse. The shadow of the world covers the face of the moon that reflects the light of the sun.

The moon is also capable of coming in between the sun and the side of the world that is directly receiving its light. The shadow of the moon covers a portion of the earth instead of reflecting the suns light to the side of the world that is away from the sun. We call that a solar eclipse.

However, there is also a time when the moon is in the perfect position to reflect the greatest amount of the light of the sun to the part of the world that is away from the sun. It is the brightest, biggest moon of the year. We happen to call that the “harvest moon”.

The same is true for us. We reflect the goodness of God by choosing to grow the fruit of Spirit that reflects His good nature. It puts us in the position to reflect the greatest amount of His light to the part of the world that is still in darkness.

The Fruit is Natural to our Spiritual Nature

Made in the image of God, we are tripartite beings and have a Spirit, Soul (mind), and Body. The Bible says we are saved (Eph. 2:8) (Spirit), we are being saved (1Cor. 1:18)(Soul) and we shall be saved (Rom. 11:26) (Body)

Galatians 5 makes it clear that there are two natures at work in our body. Since we have crucified our flesh and all its desires (verse) we can keep in step with the Spirit.

When we make Jesus our Lord, our natural being becomes our Spirit. We make our choices based on the word of God and no longer on circumstance or negative feelings. Although we can choose to, we no longer have to live by the works of the flesh.

It is Our Choice to Grow in the Fruit of the Spirit

Some people think the fruit of the Spirit just naturally grows, as an offshoot or sign that we have raised our hand or said a prayer. When it doesn’t happen it’s easy to conclude that our experience was not as profound as we thought at the time.
That kind of thinking is a great way to stay immature.

We have a choice to live by the flesh or live by the Spirit.

It is a choice we begin making by agreeing with what God says about us and declaring who we are in Christ daily or even hourly and then choosing to act in the nature of God (fruit of the Spirit) in a situation-by-situation basis.

Eventually our choice becomes a habit and we begin to naturally work out of the Spirit.

Growing the Fruit is a Process

Fruit grows in the spiritual as it does in the natural. There are places in the same orchard that grow better fruit faster because of soil and amount of direct sunlight.
We start stronger in some areas and weaker in others – but we grow in all. As we make choices, we start habits and soon the habits bring our body and soul in line with our Spirit.

This is “working out our salvation with fear and trembling.”

Theologically it’s known as Sanctification.
Poetically it’s “becoming more like Christ.”
Philosophically it’s “become who we already are.”

Because it’s a process we have patience for ourselves and grace for others. It is difficult at first, and we all make mistakes. But aren’t you glad God has the full measure of the fruit of the Spirit? When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John…)

The Holy Spirit Empowers Us

Whatever God calls us to do, He empowers us to do and provides everything we need to do it His way and in His power.

No one can will himself or herself to have joy over an extended period of time. But it is possible because the Holy Spirit grows joy in us. More than that, the Holy Spirit breaks the yoke off of those with depression when counseling and drugs can’t even work. Maybe we should start with the Holy Spirit?

How Do We Show the Pre-Eminence of Love?

Our Words…

Ephesians 4:29, John 6:68, Isaiah 50:4

Our Actions…

1 John 3:17-19

I’ve got to learn to apply the fruit of the Spirit in my relationship with my relationship with our new dog. Is there someone God’s given you to help you become more and more like Him?

Love to know your thoughts. Please comment.

Truth:

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13 (New Living Translation)

Thought:

Self-control is a mark of wisdom. Proverbs 29:11 says, “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (NIV). Self-control is one of the most difficult fruit to grow for some people.

Our culture tells us to, “Buy now, pay later.” We move out of our parent’s home and want to get everything they took a lifetime to gather, in just a couple of years. We’re taught to have an attention span of 6 minutes – until the next commercial. We’re trained to expect instant gratification.

So is there any hope to grow the fruit of self-control?

With God there always is hope. It’s so much easier to be self-controlled when you let the Spirit control you.

Here’s an example: I’ve tried different times to diet and lose some weight. I don’t have the self-control to stick to it. But my wife and I felt led by God to do an extended Daniel fast. We abstained from everything but vegetables, fruit, water, whole grains and nuts. I was doing it in obedience to God and unto him. I knew it was His will and that He would help me do His will. I wasn’t trying to lose weight, but I did.

So it’s good to know His will and that He helps us to do His will.

It’s His will for us to control our bodies:

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor– not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 (New Living Translation)

It’s His will for us to control our minds:

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7 (New International Version)

It’s His will for us to control our mouths:

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 (New Living Translation)

And He’s given us the Holy Spirit to teach and empower us to live self-controlled lives:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present
age, Titus 2:11-12 (New International Version)

Isn’t God good?

Prayer:

Lord, I need Your help to grow self-control. I know it’s not my determination that makes me right before You. It’s Your grace and mercy that I need to grow this fruit. Empower me to control my body, my thoughts and my mouth…all for Your glory.

Challenge:

Do you need to grow self-control in an area of your life? Confess it to God, ask Him to help you, and then find someone today to help you stay accountable.

Declaration:

I choose to reflect the light of the Son to the side of the world that’s away from the sun. I choose to put on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Truth:

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 (New Living Translation)

Thought:

Is patience the same as inaction?

Patience is releasing your will so God’s will can be done through you.  God’s will has moments of sitting still – Jesus always spent time alone with God. When we choose to do the same… to discipline ourselves to sit still longer than fifteen minutes… we learn to move to the rhythms of His grace.

His rhythm seldom means inaction. Even when we wait on God, we must choose to wait with expectation. We know He’s good and is the giver of good gifts. We know He won’t give His children a stone when they ask for bread, or a serpent when they ask for a fish.

Patience becomes real when our timetables get set aside for God’s timetable. If God wasn’t patient with us – not wanting for any to perish – none of us would be here.

It’s His patience with us that we need to reflect to the part of the world that is away from the Son.

How do we do that?

We show love. Remember, it’s the antidote to negativity. Love is patient. It is kind. It reflects who God is – as do all the fruit of the Spirit we’re growing in our lives.

Don’t worry, if not today, soon, you will have opportunity for your faith to be tested to produce even more patience. Today you’ll need to choose to be patience to others, and so doing, show God’s love to them.

Prayer:

Lord I know that You are patient with me and I know I haven’t been patient with (insert the names). Thank You that You’ll help me become more like You. Thank You that You’re helping me to show Your love to others. I choose to be patient today and always. Help me to be patient to bring glory to You.

Challenge:

Go the speed limit today. Stop at all red lights. Change your schedule so that you’re not in a rush. Slow down and show patience for others.

Declaration:

I choose to reflect the light of the Son to the side of the world that’s away from the Son. I choose to put on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Truth:

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (New International Version)

Thought:

The Bible is so rich with metaphors that we can see in the natural. When you think about it, how else could the created understand the Creator? We recognize our language and experience is limited by our mortality, but at the same time we realize it is God who has revealed Himself to us.

That thought alone makes me stop and worship. I wish I could relay it more profoundly.

Here’s one that makes me go “Ah ha!”

The moon does not have its own light, but reflects the light of the sun to the part of the world that’s away from the light. There are two things that happen to stop the light from the sun being reflected to the world. They both have to do with the position of the moon.

1. When the world comes between the moon and sun – whose light it was created to reflect to the part of the world that’s away from the sun – it’s called a lunar eclipse. The shadow of the world covers the face of the moon that reflects the light of the sun.
2. The moon is also able to come between the sun and the side of the world that is directly receiving its light. The shadow of the moon covers a portion of the earth instead of reflecting the suns light to the side of the world that is away from the sun. We call that a solar eclipse.

However, there is also a time when the moon is in the perfect position to reflect the greatest amount of the light of the sun to the part of the world that is away from the sun. It is the brightest, biggest moon of the year and it happens in the Northern Hemisphere in the Fall. We happen to call that the “harvest moon.”

The same is true for us. We reflect the goodness of God by choosing to grow the fruit of Spirit that reflects His good nature. It puts us in the position to reflect the greatest amount of His light to the part of the world that is still in darkness.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control together show the nature of Jesus to the world.  And there are two truths about fruit we need to be aware of.

The first is – Fruit happens. Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. When we abide in Him, we bear much fruit. It’s as natural as the moon reflecting the light from the sun to the side of the world that’s away from the sun. The lesson is abiding in the vine.

The second truth is – we need to tend an orchard.  This thought doesn’t contradict the first, although I admit I’m mixing metaphors.  Growing in the fruit of the Spirit is a choice we make, as well as a series of choices throughout the day. We will constantly need to choose love, joy, peace and patience. We will have opportunity to choose kindness, goodness and faithfulness. Conditions will be conducive for us to not wish to choose gentleness and self-control.

So does fruit just happen, or do we tend the tree?

Both.

Learn how to abide and fruit just happens. Abiding means keeping in step with the rhythms of the master and in our fallen state it is a choice to reflect the light of the sun to the side of the world that’s away from the sun.

The next few days we’ll be encouraged to make that choice a habit.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, that when I abide in You, Your words abide in me and I can ask whatever I want and it will be given to me. Teach me to abide. Thank You, Holy Spirit, You will empower me to put on and grow love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Challenge:

If you could show God to the world in any way that reflects His goodness and Glory, how would you do it? Pray and obey. There are things you can do today that will see that prayer fulfilled. Do them.

Declaration:

I choose to reflect the light of the Son to the side of the world that’s away from the Son. I choose to put on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.