Begin with 2 minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Jesus teaches that we will recognize them by their fruit. Throughout the Bible, God uses fruit to symbolize the outward evidence of inward change. It is one of the highest honors for someone to be able to identify Christians in this way. I can only imagine how proud God feels when someone is led to the altar because of the example set forth by one of His own.

In Galatians 5:22-23, we read, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”

In this current series, we are talking about sharing our stories of hiding or healing our hurts. Peace is one of the above-mentioned fruits of the spirit. If you have experienced a life-altering event and you still feel the peace that God provides, perhaps you can help another find this same peace through your example. Perhaps it’s the fruit of joy in times of suffering. I know when I think of the different “fruits” there is almost always someone who comes to mind that lives out that fruit demonstratively.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Reflect on your life and how you are known by your fruit.
• Discuss with your spouse, a friend, or a prayer partner how you might better cultivate your fruit through studying God’s Word, seeking others who can help you with your current challenges, or praying for God to open your eyes to see the ways that you can practice opportunities to grow in these areas.
  
• Prayer: Dear God, we are so thankful for the fruit that is cultivated in us through You. For a person needing to feel your peace in situations that render us broken, Lord, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. Help us to produce good fruit that reflects You, Lord, to the world. We love You. Amen.