The faith messenger newsletter

The Spring edition of The Faith Messenger continues exploring the Fruit of the Spirit. 

In this issue, we will examine the Fruit of the Spirit: Patience. We will discover that Patience plays a vital role in our Christian maturity and how a lack of Patience negatively affects our reputation as Christ-followers. 

Together, we will explore the secrets to gaining Patience and the benefits of strategically waiting on God for His wise direction—the tyranny of the urgent rules much of our lives. However, a lack of Patience always devolves to emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual stress. Impatience is a peace-robber! 

Developing Patience nurtures resilience and faith, transforming how we navigate life’s pressures. In a world driven by the tyranny of the urgent, embracing this Fruit of the Spirit can alleviate stress and bring robust spiritual growth, increased mental clarity, and lasting peace. Modern society frequently values immediate satisfaction. However, scripture gently reminds us of the grace in being patient with ourselves, others, and most importantly, God.

In this Part Two, we’ll take second deep dive into the Fruit of the Spirit: PEACE. We’ll address the concept of internal an internal and external harmony. Harmony (a lasting peace) with God, with others, and ourselves.

God’s Peace flows from the new birth that He freely gives us when we surrender our hearts and wills to Him, through our utter trust in the atonement purchased for us on the Cross, by God the Son, Jesus Christ. Reconciliation is the aim.

Our sins are forgiven, and God, the Holy Spirit, arrives to dwell within our heart to provide the desire and power to obey our heavenly Father, and align our will with His. The peace of God that surpasses all rational understanding comes directly from the Holy Spirit, and it produces a unity and oneness with Him, with others and ourselves.

Kindness, Compassion, and Gentleness are attributes of Love. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are saved by His grace to serve others in His love. Cultivating Gentleness and Kindness is a lifelong journey. It's not about perfection. It's about progress - taking small, faithful steps towards becoming more like Christ in our daily interactions. 

In this issue of "The Faith Messenger," we explore the Fruit of the Spirit detailed in Galatians 5:22-23, self-control. Why is self-control so important to our Christian maturity and discipleship? By cultivating self-control, we strengthen our spiritual defenses and become better equipped to face life's challenges and resist the temptations of the flesh.

When we rely on the Holy Spirit's power and diligently practice self-control, we can experience greater victory in our lives and be a more effective witness for Christ. 2 Timothy 1:7 declares: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Our victory and effectiveness as Christians are rooted in our dependence on the Holy Spirit and the practice of self-control. 

Shalom is both a gift and a journey. It is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of something far greater—the comprehensive well-being that comes from being in the right relationship with God. 

This peace is not dependent on the absence of trouble but on the presence of God who walks with us through our trials.

As we reflect on the Fruit of Peace, let us remember that this peace is not of our own making; it is the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). It is a peace that is complete, whole, and restorative, offered to us as we walk in obedience and faithfulness to our Creator.

Understanding Hesed (Hebrew for God's love; Greek word is Agape, which means unconditional), is crucial for the Christian faith walk, as it offers a model of how to love in a manner that reflects the heart of God. 

It challenges believers to go beyond superficial expressions of love, inviting them into a deeper, covenantal relationship with God and with each other. In a world where love is often conditional and fleeting, Hesed stands as a testament to the kind of sacrificial, faithful and enduring love that God calls His followers to embrace and personify.

The biblical invitation of Philippians 4:4-5: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice," challenges and encourages us to discover a joy that is not dependent on the ebb and flow of life’s circumstances but is anchored in the unshakeable character of God. 

In embracing this joy, we find strength for ourselves, and it empowers us to become lighthouses of hope, proving to a watching world the transformative power of a life rooted in Christ.