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Mindfulness &

how to be aware in a unaware world

Fruit

Josh Avery

“But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. And the greatest of these is love, for all things abide in love, and all things must have love; for without love, no relationship would exist.”
– Galatians 5:22

Whether or not you believe in God or ascertain to Christianity, the Bible is a grand book filled to the brim with wisdom and life lessons applicable to every one of us.

For example, this verse in Galatians lays out the foundation for an intentional, purposeful life.

It’s quite logical that without love, no purposeful life would exist and no relationship would exist either (unless transactional, which I’d argue is no relationship worth holding).

Defining each fruit of the spirit for ourselves provides a better grip on their meaning with the intention of including them in our lives.

I firmly believe that all of these fruits are able to grow in us if their seeds are planted at birth. They may already be abundant and ripe in your own life today.

Below are definitions of each fruit, my personal definition, a question, and examples of how to include them in our lives.

Love

  • An emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment.
  • A virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection.
  • The unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.
  • Compassionate and affectionate actions towards others and towards one’s self.

Love is driving three hours to visit a sibling in the hospital without the slightest hesitation. It is the most innate expression we humans possess, a gift that has profound impact.
What does love look like to you?
Show a friendly smile, lend a helping hand, or give your time and attention to someone in need.
This is love.

Joy

  • A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
  • The natural reaction to the work of God, Higher Power, or Creator, whether promised or fulfilled.
  • Joy expresses God’s kingdom and influence on earth.

Joy is a grin from ear to ear for no apparent reason whatsoever.
What people, places, or things make you joyful and jubilant?
Write down three things you’re grateful for each day, and tell them to a person you admire in your life.
This is Joy.

Peace

  • Freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.
  • An occurrence of harmony characterized by lack of violence, conflict behaviors, and the freedom from fear of violence.
  • The absence of hostility and retribution.

Peace is fear and worry washed away like the receding tide.
What can provide a peace that surpasses all comprehension?
To calm the body and mind, breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth several times.
This is Peace.

Patience

  • The ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties.
  • To suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed.

Patience is the contentment in waiting on a loved one for hours and then exclaiming with a smile, are you ready?
How can you show patience today?
Next time you’re waiting for someone or something, notice your immediate environment with curiosity, what do you see, hear, smell, and taste?
This is Patience.

Kindness

  • The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate
  • A behavior marked by ethical characteristics.
  • A pleasant disposition and concern for others.

Kindness is the simple act of sharing a smile while passing by a stranger. It should not be understated, especially in these tumultuous times.
What is a random act of kindness feel like to you?
Give someone a genuine compliment, open the door for someone, or bake a loaf of banana bread for your neighbor.
This is Kindness

Goodness

  • The quality of being good, in particular: virtue; moral excellence, qualities of character or conduct that entitle the possessor to approval and esteem.
  • Goodness is the simple word for the general quality recognized in character or conduct.

Goodness is listening deeply to your conscience.
What makes something right or wrong to you?
When you next consider the implications of a choice, consult a true friend or therapist before deciding.
This is Goodness.

Faithfulness

  • True, devoted, staunch, constant, and loyal behavior.
  • Implies qualities of stability, dependability, and devotion.
  • A long-continued and steadfast fidelity to whatever one is bound to by a pledge, duty, or obligation.

Faithfulness is the overwhelming feeling of gratitude expressed when you are loyal to a friend for years.
Who is that person in your life?
Commit to being there for a friend the next time they request your assistance.
This is Faithfulness.

Gentleness

  • To be mild in temperament or behavior; kind or tender.
  • To be noble or having the qualities attributed to noble birth; courteous; chivalrous.

Gentleness is the care of a mother for her child as it sleeps soundly in her arms.
How can you show a gentle gesture today?
Provide some words of encouragement, give someone a hug, or listen intently in your next conversation.
This is Gentleness.

Self-control

  • The ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires, or the expression of them in one’s behavior.

Self-control is the release of anger despite the inclination to lash out at your coworker for not doing their job.
How can you show self-control in the next difficult situation?
Write down how you feel when you feel (no really, it makes a massive difference).
This is Self-control.

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