Devotional Messages

DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

Galatians 5:22-23 – By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  There is no law against such things. (NRSV)

All throughout our anniversary year, we have used the imagery of trees.  We’ve sung that “we are the leaves of a tree, a tree that was planted by God”. We’ve remembered that even the tiny mustard seed can grow into a tree that provides a home for the birds of the air.  We planted an oak tree in our front bed, and it’s thriving, surrounded by native plants.  Our beautiful new banners, with leaves cut out by many different members of our community, are hanging in the sanctuary.

As we move toward Thanksgiving, perhaps it’s time to think about what kind of cornucopia this tree that is Vista La Mesa Christian Church could fill.  Just as we aren’t all the same part of the body, we probably aren’t all the same fruit of the Spirit!  Is there someone in our congregation or in your life that has modeled faithfulness or generosity for you?  Someone who is consistently kind, loving, or gentle?  Someone whose self-control or patience you’ve long admired?  Who are you giving thanks for in this season of gratitude?

It would be fantastic if all of us could live out all nine of these virtues all the time.  But realistically, we’re more likely to find some easier than others.  That’s why it’s so encouraging to live our lives as part of a community; we can be inspired by the examples of others who show us what peace or joy can look like in real life.  What you may not realize is that someone else may be looking the example you are living out and giving thanks for you!  What a blessing it would be if we each took a moment to tell those who inspire us about the fruit of the Spirit they represent for us.