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

I am amazed at what a simple smile can do for someone upon making eye contact with them. We cultivate the Father's garden, and the Holy Spirit takes it from there, producing the fruit of the Spirit in us. Even a genuine, non-verbal gesture like a smile is a reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ's light shining brightly into the darkness of someone else's life.

Every time when I venture out, whether walking on a trail in the park, shopping, or travelling on a bus or train, I find that I am able to give someone a brief exchange, a smile, or a compliment.

Recently, I was told about a brilliant and gifted boy about eleven years old who was engrossed in his iPad. I mentioned to his parents that I would say hello to him later. They said, "Good luck with that!" Apparently, he didn't speak to anyone except family members. I told them, "He will speak to me!" Hours later, I approached him with a big smile on my face and said, "Hello! I have been told that your name is Nathaniel. That was my dad's name." He answered, "Cool!" I went on to tell him something about my father, and eventually, I asked him what he was working on. He sat down, and I sat next to him, and he showed me the webpage and told me what he was working on. I shared my storytelling and writing skills with him, and we carried on a conversation. His parents couldn't believe it.

Every day, ordinary Christians share the fruit of the Spirit with others without realizing that they are being used by God. When we practice the using and sharing of the fruit, the Holy Spirit, Who is at work within us, sends us nourishment. God purposefully placed each of us here on earth to make a difference in the lives of others. Working for Jesus Christ has given me a sense of purpose and a new perspective on the world and the people in it.

Our Lord Jesus Christ expects us to use the fruit of the Spirit daily. With humility and wisdom, we can share this precious fruit with others to honour God every day.

Are you cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in your daily life? Are you looking after your Father's garden so that it can bear more fruit?

Prayer: Our gracious God, thank You for those fleeting moments when Your Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, especially when we interact with others. Lord Jesus, bless us with Your grace as we share Your love with others through a simple smile. Use us and mould us to be more like You in everything that we do in Your name. Amen!

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About the author:

Yvonne Myers <yvonneemyers@gmail.com>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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