The Fruit of the Spirit Part 2

How do we know that Jesus, Immanuel (God-with-us), is really with us? Paul answers that question beautifully in his letter to the disciples in Galatia who must have been wondering the same thing. Paul writes: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we experience any of these gifts in our daily lives, we know that Christ’s Spirit is at work.

The second fruit of the Spirit is joy. Joy has to do with the sense of calm that comes from knowing we are never alone. Jesus put it this way: I have come so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete (John 15:11). Especially in the moments of adversity we should open our hearts to the gift of joy, since those are the moments we especially need Jesus’ calming Spirit. Jesus was honest and hopeful about trouble: In the world you shall face troubles. But take courage; I have conquered the world (John 16:33).

Adversity is not a sign of Divine absence. Adversity is an opportunity to embrace Divine presence, and as a result to know the gift of joy.

Yours in Christ,

Marc