God is Love, and we are called to love each other — but not just as a task that we have to do. Love, as part of the Fruit of the Spirit, is an outcome of the Spirit dwelling within us, a way we reflect the image of God to the world. Our love for others gives evidence to our claim to have Jesus in our lives, as well as other things.
The fruit of the Spirit is not formed in us because we follow a law (legalism) or because we are free to operate outside of law (moral freedom). Instead, it forms because God has placed his Spirit within our hearts. The result of God’s presence and work inside of us is that our character becomes more and more like God’s. The character of God in us is revealed by the presence of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
“Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more and more.
Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
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The boy Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” There isn’t much more than this known about Jesus’ boyhood. But one story has some lessons for us about community and learning.
Jesus is the “Reason for the Season”. But what were his reasons for leaving heaven and coming here to live among us? Pastor Ryan’s 2024 Advent sermon series “The Reason He Came” explores this question.
Stained-glass windows in St. Malachy’s Church in Castlewellan, County Down, depicting the presentation of baby Jesus by Mary and Joseph to the shepherds (taken September 2020)
What is truth? Pilate asks this during the trial of Jesus, when Jesus says he came to this world to bear witness to the truth. What truth does Jesus want us to know?