Fruits of the Spirit
It's time to dig deep into Galatians 5:22-23! My favorite bible study method is Verse Mapping. This verse is so packed full of information and wisdom, that I couldn't do a full blown verse map like usual but I did sit down and define each fruit of the Spirit with at least one scripture reference. The little bookworm inside me devours word definitions and am frequently amazed at how the "wordly" definition of words has been twisted or has strayed so very far from what the original meaning is. So put your thinking caps on and let's go! Below is a slide show of each of the Fruits:
What word definition made you really think?
Personally, love's definition made me realize how often this word is used in an incorrect manner. I know that I use the word love in a "self-focused" manner on most occasions...not to mention the fact that the very definition mentions God's fatherly concern for humankind! To consider that, it would mean I use "love" incorrectly every single day! I cannot compare my affinity for sweet treats and sugar with the love that God has for mankind. I think this will seriously shift the way I use words in my everyday conversations!
I am in awe of the wisdom that comes from digging deep into God's Word and the truth that He reveals to us as a result! One of my favorite things to do is scripture cross-referencing.
Using scripture to define scripture is powerful, because just like it says in Hebrews 4:12 NIV:
For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
If you go back and look at the scripture references for each of the Fruits of the Spirit, you will see how God clarifies for each of us what that fruit looks like in action in everyday life. It's a quick litmus test you can do on yourself if you wonder if you are displaying a fruit or not.
God never ever leaves us in the dark when we genuinely seek His Truth. Often when I sit myself down and dig deep into the Bible in search of something, it truly feels like the Word comes to life to point me in the right direction. I enjoy skipping from one book to another on a scavenger hunt for what God wants me to learn. God is just so cool!
I hope you feel more knowledgeable and equipped to share this verse with others! Don't let those little seemingly insignificant moments you get with curious people pass you by!
Happy Digging!
