“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”.
Gal 5:2223 (NIV)
The apostle Paul writes to the believers in Galatia about the qualities possessed by one who has the Holy Spirit in his or her life.
The second on listed is JOY. Several years ago, I had a co-worker and friend tell me she thought I was a joyless Christian. She was correct because I had a lot of pent up feelings about conditions surrounding my life, things I didn’t know how to deal with. But, at that time, I didn’t know how to respond to her appraisal.
The path Jesus took me down for me to find joy in my heart led through very complex scenery. The issues that affected me were not necessarily mine to claim; I had to learn to separate the problems of family members from myself.
Making this time in my life more complex was the health issues of a couple of elderly relatives, the betrayal of another elderly relative, the continued health condition of our son, and a few other things.
I read a book I had owned for years, IN HIS STEPS, by Charles Sheldon. I read this in preparation for Vacation Bible School. As a result, I eventually started looking for another church. I found one that allowed me to experience the Holy Spirit and to find joy. In finding the Holy Spirit, I found I could relax and allow God to guide me into a closer walk with Him. I am thankful my friend planted a seed when she shared with me her observation about me. I am also thankful to God for making me who I am this day.
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