Looking Back and Moving Forward
Have you ever eaten something rotten? Take an apple, for example. You’re crunching on a tart Granny Smith when, suddenly, it tastes squishy…and brown. What a bummer. One bad spot can ruin the whole thing. Fruit is meant to be sweet, refreshing, and typically vibrant with color.
It’s the same way with Christians. Did you know you’re a gardener? Well, sort of. Believers in Christ are called to produce fruit. I have a bit of a black thumb, having never been great at gardening, but physical food is not quite what we’re talking about.
Let’s talk about the perfectly ripe, ready at the right time, Fruit of the Spirit!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal: 5:22-23).
Love is demonstrated through actions and persists in difficult times. It speaks through words of affirmation, acts of service, giving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. These acts can provoke joy flowing from a heart of gratitude.
In this busy world we live in, stillness feels impossible. However, a relationship with Jesus brings peace that passes all understanding. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Meditation, sitting in stillness, requires patience. Jesus promises rest for our souls. In the midst of quiet moments, our character and faith grow.
Character reflects kindness when making others feel noticed, understood, and valued. A piece of this involves meeting imperfections with grace. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” No one is good. However, we are redeemed through faith in Christ.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” Matthew 11:29. Author Gary Thomas explains gentleness as “a strong hand with a soft touch.” Learning from Christ produces dependence that flows from a humble heart.
A soft heart is steadfast in surrender. Walking with the Lord is done out of love, not obligation. The fear of the Lord leads to faithfulness even when feelings try to get in the way. Grace is undeserved favor, or “courage under pressure,” as Ernest Hemingway explains. The courage to extend grace is what it means to show self-control.
With the start of 2026, I encourage you to reflect on your faith and the fruits the Holy Spirit has produced with you. We are never alone as our faithful heavenly Father walks alongside us. Echoing Hills seeks to grow in our relationship with the Lord as we journey through 2026.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011%3A28-30&version=NIV
