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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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Nice message!!
Thanks for the encouraging words, Yvonne.
Thank you for sharing truth. Good to wake up to this morning.
In the precious name of Jesus.
In a multilingual community in Toronto a smile Is the best way to communicate with your neighbors.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today! It was a warm hug from God for me. Blessings.
Thank you for that Yvonne. It makes me think that I need to do more smiling at people. Instead of just walking on by. Again thank you.
Thank you, Yvonne, for your very good and very important words in today’s devotional. I know how pleasant and uplifting it feels meeting others with a smile and I deliver that action very many times when I am out and about for walks in the neighbourhood or errands in town. Knowing God’s love is something very important to share with others. Blessings for your writings.
Good morning, Yvonne,
I admire people who have that skill to open people up and chat. I really enjoyed your story of the connection you made with that young boy – one of the talents that God has given to you and that you use. I was feeling off yesterday for no reason and I think God was telling me I needed to recharge my batteries and not to worry. I did that and today that funny feeling has disappeared as quickly as it came. I think I was sad inside because of people I know dying and even though I know it is part of life, it saddened me also. Picking the raspberries, helped me to feel that dying is just part of our cycle like the raspberries which is something helps me feel closer to my parents. Emotions are funny things.
Yvonne thanks for reminding us of the importance of cultivating these fruits and sharing them with others through God’s love. Blessings.
What a difference a smile makes! Thanks, Yvonne, for your touching story! May the Lord Bless you and keep you!
(BC)
Thank you, Yvonne, for showing us a way we can be witnesses to the world.
Thank you for that message. I never thought that I was using the fruit of the spirit when I interact with others, strangers even. I often talk to people I meet, total strangers but lovely people just the same. I try to be kind but can’t figure out people who are so bitter and abrasive with others. They can only think of how someone has wronged them in the past and I don’t know how to encourage them to be kinder. I do enjoy being around those who are loving and supportive.