Grow A Garden

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. – (Galatians 5:22-23, ERV)

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. – (Galatians 5:22-23, TPT)

When we know and love God and invite Him to dwell within us, His Spirit grows good fruit within that reaches outward. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all indicators of His presence and the fruit that is produced through a life intent on loving God and loving people. These things are meant to be limitless, and against them, there is no law. Each of these attributes are admirable and appreciated in others. May we ever be a people who seek a heart after God, and allow Him to grow His good fruit within us.

God, grow a garden,

Inside of our hearts;

Full of Your good fruit,

In love, You impart.

Joy, peace and patience,

Kindness and Your good;

Gentle, self-controlled,

Ways love’s understood.

Help us be faithful,

Despite what we see;

In hope, let us trust,

You care faithfully.

In that space of trust,

Lead us in Your love;

To live fruitful lives,

Like You, Lord, above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You we can grow in love and all of the fruit that Your love produces. Forgive us for allowing the things of the world to plant weeds in our hearts or stunt the growth of what You intended. Teach us to trust and rely on You to lead and grow us. Show us how to love those around us as we spread joy, produce peace, extend patience and kindness, demonstrate faithfulness, journey gently and exhibit self-control. May many come into a lasting and fruitful relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest our hearts and lives in growing in the goodness of Your abundant love. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. – Deuteronomy 6:5

Love One Another

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – (Romans 12:10, NIV) 

Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself. – (Romans 12:10, ERV) 

Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. – (Romans 12:10, TPT) 

This is the recipe for success in any relationship we enter into. When we choose to be devoted to one another in love, and honor and respect each other, peace prevails and the relationship flourishes. Honoring each other means giving the other person grace and the benefit of the doubt, assuming positive intent. When misunderstandings occur, devoted love seeks to understand and make amends, rather than going elsewhere to complain or figure it out. Relationships that follow these principles are the ones we tend to value the most. If we choose to go about our day, investing in others, devoted in love, and treating each with respect and honor, our community thrives and grows in love. May we seek the Lord to empower and equip us to be devoted to loving those around us in the way that we are called to love. 

Love one another, 

Devoted and true; 

Brothers and sisters, 

As we’re called to do. 

Choose to give respect, 

And honor above; 

To one another, 

Do all things in love. 

For as we all choose, 

Love each other well; 

Communities thrive, 

As in peace we dwell. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You showed us what it is to love one another best through Your Son. Thank You that You empower and equip us to love as You call us to love, with honor, respect and devotion. Forgive us for the times that we have not preferred one another, or have not loved as You call us to love. Teach us to trust You more. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love one another as You call us to love. Amen. 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34