Lenten Devotion - March 25, 2025

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Tuesday, March 19, 2025

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-26

Devotion: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Paul describes the natural outcome of a life connected to God's Spirit. Notice he speaks of "fruit" (singular), not "fruits"—suggesting that these qualities grow together as a unified expression of God's work in us.

Unlike manufactured products, fruit can't be forced or rushed. An apple tree doesn't strain to produce apples—it simply fulfills its nature when properly nourished. Similarly, the Spirit's fruit emerges not through our striving but through our surrender to God's transforming work within us.

Look at the list again. Which aspects of this fruit are flourishing in your life? Which seem less developed? Rather than feeling guilty about what's lacking, consider this an invitation to deepen your relationship with the One who causes growth. The Spirit is already at work in you, cultivating a character that increasingly reflects God's own heart.

Daily Action Steps:

  1. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you'd like to see grow, and pray specifically for God's nurturing in that area.
  2. Practice one small, concrete expression of this fruit today (an act of kindness, moment of patience, etc.).
  3. Thank God for the growth you've already experienced, however small it might seem.

Prayer: Spirit of God, continue your gentle work within me. Where hardness needs softening, soften me. Where coldness needs warming, warm me. Shape my character to reflect your love, not so I can boast, but so others might taste and see your goodness through my life. Amen.

Breath Prayer: (Inhale) Spirit, bear your fruit... (Exhale) through my surrendered life.
Location: Monroe, OH, USA

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