fruit of the spirit

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Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness & Kindness

May 29, 2023May 31, 2023 krisshetter

When my eldest daughter was little, she loved and admired her grandfather greatly. She loved him to such an extent that if she were caught doing something she shouldn’t, he could just look at her and she’d cry. She wanted so much to please him that she would do anything to be in his good graces. My question for you is, who do you love and admire so much that you would do just about anything in order to please them? You take their advice. You model your behavior and even thoughts after them. You may not even realize you have a relationship like this with someone but you probably do.

The danger is that, as infallible humans, we will invariably get something wrong. It’s how our idols fall into disfavor. Relationships get fractured when the one we’ve placed on the pedestal fails us. There has only been one person that walked this planet who truly deserves that level of devotion – Jesus. So, my other question is, have you placed God at the top of the list of ones you most love and desire to reflect?

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 3 John 11

What exactly is this “good” that is a reflection or imitation of God? The word “good” is written 725 times in our Bible. From Genesis 1:4 all the way to 3 John we read of good and goodness. I’ll take a leap here and say that of all the fruits of the spirit, love, peace and goodness may be the most misunderstood by Christians and especially non-Christians.

When we say something is “good” its use can be as widespread as “loving” something thing. “I love good sourdough bread” is not the same as “loving our neighbors reflects the goodness of God.” The first is a fleshly desire of something made well. The second describes a self-less act imitating the character of God.

God is not merely good, but goodness; goodness is not merely divine, but God.
C.S. Lewis

Each one of the fruit of the spirit listed by Paul in Galatians deals with either the state of our soul and/or an action thereof. All of the fruit are a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in us in creating us more like Jesus. Therefore, the “goodness” in this list requires us first to investigate what is the goodness of God?

Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
    which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
    in the sight of the children of mankind! Psalm 31:19

When you look up the word “goodness” in Strong’s Concordance it has you refer to the index. In the index it equates what goodness refers to in various parts of scripture. All the references are attached to God’s character:

Abundant (Exodus 34:6)
Great (Psalm 31:19)
Enduring (Psalm 52:1)
Satisfying (Psalm 65:4)

I would add to this list that God’s loving character also brings these other good things to our world: light, faithfulness, joy, mercy, and grace. The words “it was good” are used over and over coming from God’s mouth to describe His glorious creation — His great love in action.

When I said that the word “goodness” or “good” is listed among some of the most misunderstood I meant this – that apart from God no one’s soul imitates this goodness. Yes, even that person that seems really, really good.

If you ask a Humanist or atheist to define their morals or values, they’ll probably list things that actually are God-given commands. The difference is, commands such as “do not steal” become wishy washy depending upon the non-believer’s circumstances. You see, we ALL choose someone or something to imitate and hold up as the pinnacle of moral authority. But non-Christians (and unfortunately some Christians) hold up humans as that authority. And we are and do what we love, made worse when it is ourself.

Goodness is virtue and holiness in action. It results in a life characterized by deeds motivated by righteousness and a desire to be a blessing. It’s a moral characteristic of a Spirit-filled person. The Greek word translated “goodness,” agathosune, is defined as “uprightness of heart and life.”
Got Questions, A Christian Podcast

Righteousness, “uprightness,” can only come from one source: the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He not only cleansed us of the guilt and sin we carry but made it so we can be called to goodness. To reflect the goodness of God.

God wants to be united with us in full. He loves us, brings us joy and peace. He’s asking us to be so in love with Him, so admiring of Him that we too want to fill our souls and the world with light, abundance, mercy and grace. To set aside all other idols and place Him front and center. For when we do, our goodness will naturally lead us to action. Those actions are called love, patience and kindness.

Coming up: Selfishness or Selflessness

Impatiently Waiting

May 24, 2023April 28, 2023 krisshetter

There must not be many other words in human language that can evoke as much negative response as the word “wait.” For what? How long? Why? No one likes to wait it seems. We don’t want to wait in line, wait for the doctor, wait for the test results, wait for the phone call and so much more. We’ve created online shopping so we don’t have to wait to go searching around town for what we need. We have fast food so we don’t have to wait to cook a homemade meal. And although modern conveniences can help us to accomplish other, more important tasks, there are plenty of things worth waiting for. The birth of child, a harvest, the right spouse, freshly baked bread are but a few!

There are, however, clear times that, if we want to blossom as Christians, we need to not only wait but wait patiently, not allowing our fleshly desires to supersede God’s omniscience. To marry or not, to have children, take that job, move to another home, how to deal with difficult people or situations, medical decisions – all these potentially life-altering choices should be sought patiently in wisdom with the Lord. I have heard from too many Christians about failed marriages because they were too impatient to wait for the right person.

“Do not run ahead of God! The delays may be very challenging for you, but they are growing your faith in Him. Look to Him, strengthen yourself in His Word and love, remain confident that He is working on your behalf.”
Charles Stanley, 30 Life Principles

So ok, we get it. We need to wait on God’s wisdom. But the waiting isn’t the fruit. The waiting is the fertilizer, the opportunity for the fruit, which is patience in that waiting.

My friends and family know I have not typically been a patient person. I’m a doer. I make decisions and get things done. I hate waiting around for other people. Until one day it hit me. What does my impatientness (another word I made up) look like to the world? If I were to ask you the characteristics of an impatient person, you’d probably say someone who looks angry, frustrated, annoyed, maybe even beligerent. To the world it looks like someone lacking in the other fruits — love, joy and peace.

My getting frustrated in waiting was fruit killing. The killer spray I was using on my fruit was my pride. I knew better how to make things happen faster, more efficient, more productive. I knew better than almost anyone I encountered, especially God. And the world says, “Why should I be a Christian if I still look like that?”

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.  Titus 1:16

Yikes! Talk about a conviction. True patience isn’t really just a lack of doing something. It’s also about what’s going on inside our hearts and heads. Are we thinking loving, joyful thoughts during a “waiting” moment? Do we have peace from God knowing He has a plan for us in this time? Because I’ll tell you my friend, if we stand in line tapping our foot and being annoyed we might just miss the opportunity to help an elderly person who is struggling with her groceries.

The line, the wait, is just as long for Christians and non-Christians. Are we to be the same in how we deal with it? Or are we to remember “the eye of life’s tornados is the calm hope of our final destination” as Christian author Dane Ortlund observes? At all times.

These short term opportunities for patiently waiting help build up our long-term waiting muscles. When the pregnancy hasn’t happened, yet. When the right job hasn’t come along, yet. When the pain hasn’t gone away, yet. When our sons and daughters haven’t accepted the Lord, yet. These aren’t times to get impatient. They are times to show the world what we believe is true.

Each of those “yets” is a hope we place in God’s faithful, loving hands. He’s asking us to trust Him, just like He asked Abraham, the Israelites, and the apostles. He’s saying, “Wait.” More importantly He’s saying, “Wait patiently without fretting, without worry, without fear. Trust me.”

Is there something you are hoping for today? Ask Him in prayer. Then wait patiently. It may not be answered today or tomorrow or even in 10 years. But during that time of patience He will do great things in and through you.

Coming up: From Endurance to Hope

Fruit of the Spirit: Patience

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023 krisshetter

I knew I would be asked to take the position. I was naturally the next in line of succession. They knew I had the leadership skills and an investment in the organization. When the call came, I said, “Yes” without much thought. Partially out of pride and partially out of what felt like the inevitable, I accepted the two-year commitment. It wasn’t until after my answer did I ask God to bless my decision. A bit late. His gift, you might say, to me was two years of lessons I would not have learned otherwise. Lessons, if offered prior, to which I would have said “No thank you.”

My lack of patience in making important decisions brought me head on to one definition of the word “makrothymia.” That’s the original Greek for the word we call patience in the list of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). Other meanings include forbearance, endurance, and longsuffering. Those two years had long lasting effects as I endured character assassinations, hatred slung at me, friends deserting me, and more. You see, with my simple, impatient answer of “yes” I had committed to being the PTA* president of a large elementary school. A volunteer job that made me the lightning rod for all complaints, anger and frustrations from the parents of more than 1,000 school children.

Looking back, I realized even with waiting patiently for God to give me an answer I probably would have been led to the same decision. My skills were needed to help shepherd the school through large-scale changes. However, had I waited for His go ahead I would have had a completely different outlook on the result. I saw what was happening to me as almost a punishment for not seeking His counsel first. I have since understood that God forgives us for our sins but He doesn’t always save us from the consequences. During that two year journey I learned that He did, in fact, know better than me. And it was time to start leaning into that truth.

Some of the antonyms to patience include defiance, resistance and disobedience. Well-worn words throughout the Old Testament. Oh, those impatient Israelites! It’s a good thing we are nothing like them!

Some became fools through their rebellious ways
    and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. Psalms 107:17

That one line in Psalm 107 could be the end of the story. However, as Christians we must remember this essential truth: He loves us. He loves us so immensely, desires glorious joy in our lives, and peace in our souls that He doesn’t leave us to suffer. We need only ask for help. Psalm 107 goes on:

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them;
    he rescued them from the grave.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Psalms 107:19-21

I cried a lot those two years. I cried in pity for myself. I cried from hurt feelings. I cried out of helplessness. And then I cried out to God. He told me to endure. To keep doing the job I promised to do, but do it in His name.

It slowly dawned on me I had the entire process of faith down wrong. It seems too simple: Ask God first. Wait patiently for His answer. Act on His answer. It doesn’t mean the seas won’t churn. It doesn’t mean there won’t be a few weeds in the garden. It does mean we are acting in His will and trusting that He has good plans for us.

Believing the providence of God, embracing the providence of God, enables us to be patient and faithful in the long, dragged-out, often unexpected trials of life, amidst the most inexplicable circumstances, detours, and delays that, from our limited viewpoint, make no sense.
John Piper

So, my friends, this week as we look at “makrothymia,” let’s first remember before we can even hope to bloom in patience or endurance, we must trust the love of God.

* For those of you not in the United States PTA is the organization at many schools that supports parents and teachers through volunteering and fundraising.

Coming up: Waiting impatiently

Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

May 15, 2023May 15, 2023 krisshetter

I sat scrolling through my Instagram feed and felt my very body react with each passing post. Doom! Gloom! Watch out! The World is falling apart! I had originally created an Instagram account years ago to follow my teenage daughters’ posts. Their accounts were full of fun events and beautiful scenery. Photos taken from atop the highest peaks in our city and from endless beach days. Soon, however, I started following political-related accounts and outspoken people who warned of problems in society. In other words, I was constantly feeding my mind and soul with the opposite of what I really needed, peace.

My head’ll explode if I continue with this escapism.
Jess C Scott, EyeLeash: A Blog Novel

I finally had the same “ah ha” moment as Ms. Scott. Although I agree on the need for good citizens to stay informed, I didn’t need to be this well-informed throughout my day. Hence, I started unfollowing accounts and searched for ways to add beauty to my life. I recently told a woman from Australia, whom I follow, that I could watch her sourdough shaping videos all day. Watching her strong hands roll, pat, and lovingly form something beautiful out of God’s simple gifts of water, flour and salt.

While I brought some measure of peacefulness to my social media, I also realized this isn’t really the peace Jesus meant when He told the disciples:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." John 14:27

That peace, Shalom, is a gift of mercy and grace from God. It’s peace with God. It’s the kind of peace that can, if we place our trust in God, lead to a state of peacefulness. This Shalom is a relationship that only the one true God can give us. Fallen, sinful humanity works daily, hourly at being at war with God. We turn our backs on Him, we spit on His name, we refuse to show Him even a cursory love at times. Yet He, in His magnificent, lovingness still says, “Come to me and I will forgive. Not just forgive but cleanse.”

Before ever we can enjoy peace within our hearts there must be a state of peace established between us and God. We must submit ourselves to the Lord, and he must forgive the past, and make with us a covenant of peace, or else there is no peace for us; for “there is no peace, saith my God, unto the wicked.
Charles Spurgeon, Peace: A Fact & a Feeling

We stand before God like a criminal on the stand. We are guilty although so many of us refuse to admit this guilt. We call ourselves righteous because of our good deeds or warm feelings or even because we see ourselves as victims. But friend, we are all so, so guilty. And yet He provides a substitute for our punishment, a peace-treaty of sorts. One that sees Him carry the larger portion of the burden. Our portion? It’s to just say, “I’m guilty. I accept your terms.” And the dove is released. Peace with God is done and we are made righteous, we are cleansed thanks to Jesus. We are made into allies rather than enemies.

If this seems a bit far-fetched, too difficult to grasp you may be right. Imagine, if you will, standing in your local court docket. The sergeant of arms reads your crimes from a large ream of paper. The list includes small misdemeanors such as rolling through a stop sign (x100) or not turning on your blinker when changing lanes (x1000). The severity of the crimes increases to stealing (the fruit from your neighbor’s tree, the pen from the office, the item not charged but made it into your grocery bag, another person’s parking place or spot in line) to defamation of your supposed friend’s character or even of someone you have never met. The list includes all the lies, small and large, the times you were downright mean or rude, all the instances you turned a blind eye to a person in need. It may include adultery, debauchery, times of greed and idolatry. At the final page sits the judge’s punishment for all your crimes, for your crimes against humanity he says. 100 years in a harsh workcamp where you will be broken and live out your days in despair.

However, as at a wedding whereby the pastor asks if anyone has anything to speak against the impending union, the judge asks if anyone would like to intervene for the accused; anyone who would be punished in your place. You look out into the crowded benches. Into the faces of your children, your spouse, brothers, sisters, aunts, parents, friends. What are you thinking? Are you hoping someone would step forward and take your place in what will be your hell on earth? Your sweet daughter, perhaps? Your favorite sibling? Your ailing father? No, you are probably pleading with your eyes for not one of them to take your place. You love them too much. And yet your son, the strong, intelligent, gentle one stands. He declares you free of guilt and will take your place. He approaches you and looks into your eyes and says, “I am strong and you are weak I love you too much to see you suffer.” And you fall at his feet not just from the weight of his overwhelming love but also in the sorrow of your sin. You look up to him and he says, “I will see you again one day and we will both be restored in fullness.”

This is what the Lord has done for us. He takes our sentence on and erases our sin and guiltiness. He signs on the dotted line for peace and justice. He does so to allow us to blossom in God’s loving arms.

Our hearts can be free of the fears of this world because we know when our day comes we will be welcomed into God’s tent, not left outside waiting for a terrible judgement. And when we understand this Shalom type of peace it will lead us to a state of peacefulness. The peace Jesus mentioned at the end of John 14:27: “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Coming up: A State of Peacefulness

Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

May 8, 2023May 8, 2023 krisshetter

The search for joy and happiness has been called one of the great universal mankind desires by pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards. It’s this craving for joy that leads some to dangerous, adrenaline junky activities. For others it sets a bar so high in relationships that they burn through marriages to find the “perfect one.” Some seek this seemingly elusive state of being through drugs, alcohol, or the accumulation of stuff. “If I only I had that car or house, I’d be happy,” the poor man speaks. “If I had a husband or children then I’d be happy,” says the single woman. As God so often does, however, He turns the world’s understanding of this simple three-letter word, joy, inside out.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

When I first read these verses a few years ago I had to laugh. It reminded me of a scene from an old movie, National Lampoon’s Animal House. In it, young men are pledging to be members of a college fraternity. In one scene they are being given the paddle and are required to yell out, “Thank you, Sir! May I have another?!” In other words, they are to act like they are enjoying the painful beating.

The disciple James admonishes the scattered Jewish Christians to rejoice in the persecution and difficulties they face. And so many of us read that, scrunch up our face and say, “What?” Prior to studying the Bible and taking my faith seriously I thought joy or happiness meant smooth sailing. When I wasn’t in that state of joy, I surmised I just wasn’t trying hard enough. When trials came, as they always do, I despaired over my lack of joy.

I spent an entire year announcing to anyone that I was seeking “sparkliness.” Yes, that’s a word I made up. But you probably know what I mean. I wanted to exude joy whenever I walked into a room. To be shiny and happy and light in my demeanor. To be free of sadness and negativity. Sounds beautiful, right? So, I put on a happy face wherever I went. I worked hard at not saying anything negative. I told myself to shake off being mad or sad. Friends, I’ve got to tell you, I failed miserably. Because if we are “faking it,” it will show up in our fruit.

“It is evident, both by Scripture and reason, that God is infinitely, eternally, unchangeably, and independently glorious and happy.”
Jonathan Edwards

So, why couldn’t I be gloriously happy as well? Which brought me running headfirst in to the book of James. My worldly version of joy was completely upended. I learned what makes God truly, gloriously happy – when we place our trust, our love, our worship in Him and Him alone.

You see, while I was striving so hard to find joy, I hadn’t realized what can truly give me a life of joy. A life where I allowed the Holy Spirit to burn away my joy-killers – discord, gossip, neediness, conceit, and envy. A life that worships and gives glory to the giver of all beautiful gifts, Jesus. The difference between those young men trying to get into a fraternity and receiving their “dues” is as a Christian we can find joy in knowing any persecution or affliction we face can be experienced in Jesus’ name. Can be turned over to our loving God for help and comfort.

The Holy Spirit and I, we started off with little tests along the way. Helping me to see the bits of goodness when things didn’t go as planned. The process of rebirth led me to one of the most difficult experiences I’ve had to date. Through terrible sadness and mountains of tears I found joy. I found it by leaning heavily on the Lord.

John Calvin was right when he said, “We can experience joy in adverse circumstances by holding God’s benefits in such esteem that the recognition of them and the meditation upon them shall overcome all sorrow.”

This week our look at the Fruit of the Spirit, joy, may feel like one of the hardest to understand to some. If, however, we’ve accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we must also look to Him for the truth of what lies beyond this world. An eternity with our gloriously happy God who loves us so much He longs to be with us in the New Eden.

Coming Up: Obedience vs. Joy or Obedience=Joy?

A Gardener of Love

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023 krisshetter

She turned to drugs and alcohol to dull her childhood pain. The pain inflicted by an abusive, angry father. Her body was being ravaged by anger, hatred and shame. The feelings of worthlessness. And Jesus met her one night in an incredible vision. Upon waking she instantly accepted Him as her new, eternal, loving Father and set aside drugs and alcohol. It was her offering, her gift back to the Lord, however, that most likely had Him dancing in heaven. It wasn’t a payment because the Lord saves us without cost from us, without our need to do anything but say, “yes.” No, it was the only thing she really had to offer – love. Not just for the Lord but for her earthly father.

I met Julie* in a home Bible study. During the next few years, I watched as this daughter of God set aside her anger and any need for retribution while she travelled out of state to help care for her ailing father. Not once did I hear her speak ill of him again. She didn’t seek platitudes for her service to this man who had emotionally and physically abused her. She didn’t see it as an annoyance. No, she tended to her father as Jesus’ bond-servant. Sent in His name.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. ¹⁵If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:13-15

And what are the desires of the flesh? “Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” (Gal 5:19-21). Placed right there in the middle could probably be seen as the root of the rest of those desires – selfishness. Our need to receive retribution from those who have hurt us. We want so much to cry out, “but, but, but!” and list our excuses as to why we can’t show someone love.

Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind…… it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began.
C.S. Lewis

When we place ourselves as “better than” the root of hatred is sown. “I would never do such a thing” when in fact we may do a version of such action daily. It is a well-honed habit that is encouraged by the world. While I may not ever murder a person as the Law warns I certainly have held murderous thoughts, which Jesus calls equal to the actual act.

How does one reach the point of loving and maybe even helping those who we just want eliminated from our lives? How do we till a blooming, beautiful garden in our hearts, not one filled with weeds? Julie sought to worship God through her actions. She knew that harboring ill feelings toward her father only hurt one person – herself. When called by her stepmother for help she stepped forward in faith. Faith that the Lord wanted her to show mercy and grace.

As for me? It’s taken me many years but I finally sought wisdom from the God who provides it generously (James 1:5). The Holy Spirit has shown me it’s better to love than to feel hate and anger. I call that hate the “Black Swirly Ball” that wants to spin around in my chest from time to time. I’m listening to the Spirit when it allows me to feel out of balance. I get quiet, turn off the tv, the music, the phone and say, “Reveal to me what’s going on, Lord. Show me where my pride or my need to be in the right is shoving out love. Help me to pray for that person, not about them.” You see I want that Black Swirly Ball to unravel and loosen my chest. Then I can breathe the fresh air of God’s beauty. I give it up to God and I ask the Holy Spirit to help me not grab it back – ever. I bring my raw emotions to the Lord and He clears my mind. Often, He asks me to serve those I find difficult to serve. When I do, I demonstrate to the people around me the work Christ has done in my heart.

My friends, if all we ever are able to do in the name of love is pray for the revealing light of God to enter into our “enemy” we’ve tilled the soil for something good to happen in us. We’ve said to Jesus, “yes, I will love as you have loved me, a sinner for sure.” We just need to be prepared for Him to ask us to take a step further and say, “Yes.” In our real and true faith, we must believe without doubting that He will work it for our good and His glory.

“You have flaws, failures, and quirks that annoy and anger others. In fact, you may be more like those whom you dislike than you’d care to admit. But Jesus still loves you and died for you – just as He did for them. What Christ did for you on the cross, He did for your worst enemy. It’s when you humbly accept this fact that you can begin to love others as Jesus does.”
Charles F. Stanley

Do you believe God? Not just believe in God but have real faith in His words and promises. If you do then you know He wants the best not just for you and your friends and family but for all people. That person at work who is causing you so many troubles? Show her love by seeing her as someone who has the weight of sin on her and needs your loving prayers. The family member who speaks ill of you to the rest of the family? He needs you to love him enough to ask God to intervene in his life. The abortionist, false teacher, dictator, murderer, thief, liar all need you. These people in one way or another are separated from God and I can’t think of a more terrible fate for which we should grieve.

Jesus commands us to love. To love others as we are loved by Him, sinners one and all. This week I encourage you to demonstrate your real faith and experience the greatest fruit ever to blossom from us – love.

*Julie is not her real name

The Fruit of Love: The Royal Command

May 1, 2023May 3, 2023 krisshetter

In March of this year a young woman walked in to a Tennessee church’s school and shot and killed three 9-year old children and three adults. She was described as “transgender” and a person with emotional problems. If you weren’t already aware of this terrible tragedy you are now. And my question is, as a Christian, how will you do in loving her? In showing her mercy and forgiveness? I can be honest in saying it wasn’t my first or even second reaction. As I was working on this new series about the fruit of the spirit I was challenged, however, to do just that – to love someone who seems unworthy of that love.

You may be familiar with the stories of Jesus and the disciples coming face-to-face with what were called “demon-possessed” people. Here’s one such story from Matthew 8:

“28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. “

You notice the line: “They were so violent that no one could pass that way.” I imagine the townspeople hated and feared these men. Yet, Jesus healed them. He loved them, just as He loved the townspeople who didn’t know Him and were so frightened of His abilities they sought to drive Him out of town. He loved these two men just like He loved the disciples standing next to Him. These vile, dangerous, murderous men. He loved them enough to not leave them sick and imprisoned with whatever demons had infested their brains. He freed them to live the life God intended. And although I cannot have hope for the Tennessee shooter’s soul – because the actions led to her death – I can grieve out of love that her heart, mind and soul had been twisted by this world.

As the vitriol around the world has increasedI can’t help but see the fertile ground we have tilled for Satan to blossom. For modern demons to take root in people’s minds and hearts. The angry faces on the news, the destruction of property, the glee people express when someone they don’t like is “brought down” – it’s all symptoms of a world turning toward fleshly pursuits rather than the eternal. And love? Even love has become distorted.

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Luke 6:35

Loving our enemies has become, instead, love whatever people do and whatever they desire. On the contrary, Jesus’ reaction to every single person He met, whether murderous or not, was that living sinfully led to eternal death. The wordly version of “love”—do whatever feels good — was never His message. When we hand out needles to drug addicts we aren’t loving them, we are helping them destroy themselves. When we turn a blind eye to fellow Christians living sexually immoral lives, we aren’t loving them, we are giving them a fast track pass to slavery.

This challenge to love one another as Jesus did faces us Christian almost daily. What does this love look like? How can we love a person who kills innocent children and adults, at a church, no less? It seems too impossible. And it is.

I recently heard Pastor Wayne Barber say, “True faith, real faith results in an obedient person of God. The obedience is the bloom, the fruit.” That fruit cannot be created by us just as I cannot make the lettuce grow in my garden. God creates the seed, the soil, the water, the sun and the mystery of how it all comes to together. All He asks of me is to plant what He provides. To water it and then enjoy it. As with all the fruits of the Spirit in us it’s a melding of the work the Spirit does in me and the actions I choose to take in order to fully enjoy those fruits. Or put it this way: to do the one thing I have available to honor God’s provisions in my life – to glorify Him with my daily actions and worship. So how does the impossible become possible? This week we will look at three ways to live fully in bloom with the fruit of love.

Firstly, as a Christian seeking to do God’s will and live a life in full bloom, we need to accept this concept of love is not a choice. It is a command. It is the Royal Command from Jesus.

³⁴“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

Jesus loved Judas. Need we say more? He loved the pharisees who hated Him. He loves you. Yes, you, who sins on a daily basis. You grieve the Holy Spirit probably every day in some way or another. Either by ignoring that person in need, holding on too tightly to your treasure, having an inner hatred for someone, not forgiving that relative, taking the Lord’s name in vain, being selfish, and more. Yet He loves you. You’ve stepped on His foot more times than He would want to count. You’ve disregarded Him. Ignored Him. Falsely testified about Him or maybe even pretended you didn’t know Him. And He loved you. He loves you and me enough not to want us wallowing in our sinful chains but rather seeking Him to blossom and live in freedom.

I tell you my friend, the opposite of love is hatred. And hatred kills. It imprisons us. It creates an ugliness that permeates into every pore of our being. It is that hatred or anger I came to realize, along with my pride, being the root of a very bad habit — my cursing. I’ve tried for many, many years to stop. It wasn’t until I realized the Spirit was already in me and I was fighting against it that the seedling of love for others began to sprout. The Holy Spirit, sent to guide us until Jesus’ return, is living in every one of us who has accepted Jesus as our Savior. It is there, showing us, guiding us, admonishing us. It’s the tap on our shoulder saying, “Be kind. Forgive her.” It’s the great battle of whether we let the outer world rule our hearts or the inner world of the Holy Spirit take control.

When considering this command to love, especially those who have harmed us or others, take a moment to consider Saul. He hated the Jews and especially Jewish Christians. He was murderous, feared and downright despicable. He terrorized and destroyed communities. And on his way to Damascus to do more damage, oblivious to God’s love for him, Jesus sought him out. He brought light into the darkness of Saul’s heart. The conversion of Saul to the ever-faithful disciple of Christ, Paul, might be the greatest love and rescue story in all history. He was loved even in his blackest days. Loved enough to be sought after by Jesus. He didn’t have to accept this change – because the life path set before him would be the most difficult he would ever face. But he did. In doing so the Christians around him were also faced with a difficult decision – to love him as Jesus did. To love him even though. Imagine Paul coming into a community he had torn asunder. They stood at the edge with a decision to make. To show the world what real faith looks like or to turn their backs on God.

I once read that God is love. He made us from His love to enjoy this world along with Him. When He sent His Son for our final cleansing He was telling us, “I know you’ve messed up beyond belief. I want you to be made righteous to stand next to me in all eternity.” An eternal bond of love, never to be broken again. He’s asking us to mirror that for all the world to see. To live in the hope that Jesus can cleanse a blackened heart. And in doing so the owner of that heart may take his or her place next to us as children of the One Most High. So today, think of who you seem unable to love. Ask God, ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse your heart and bring about a tender sprout of love. Have faith, real faith, without doubting. I know hard it sounds. I’ve done it. I love a few people who don’t seem to deserve it based on the world’s rules. When I did as Jesus commanded it changed my life completely.

Coming up: Hatred breeds the weeds in our heart.

The Christian Life In Full Bloom

April 4, 2023April 25, 2023 krisshetter

She said it with a slight sadness in her voice yet behind it was also feeling of joy and hope. “I only became a Christian three years ago,” she spoke in a confession-like tone. We all sat back in confusion. This woman, this seemingly long-faithful daughter of Christ, who grew up in church and even worked for years at a church, was revealing something so personal and at odds with her religious past.

“But you accepted Christ as your savior a long time ago,” I maintained. “Yes, but it wasn’t until three years ago that I began to understand what it meant and what the life He wants for me looks like,” she declared.

I call that her “Claritin Clear” moment. You might have seen those commercials for the allergy medicine where a person miserable with allergies sees life through a foggy, sneezy lens. And upon taking the medicine, the foggy lens is peeled away, revealing a clear view look at life. Unfortunately for Christians, it’s not as easy as taking a pill to finally get to this moment. But when you do, you’ll find yourself feeling like you’ve entered another realm, peering back through the foggy looking glass which shows chaos, hatred, unforgiveness, immorality and more blackness. The brokenness that God never intended for our lives. The danger could be to regret how long it took you to get to the other, clearer side. But that would only mean you still have one foot left to drag over. Because, my friend, the life Jesus wants for us looks nothing like regret. Nothing like chaos, only joy and peace and forgiveness. It looks like freedom

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36

I was listening to the amazingly smart pastors over at The White Horse Inn podcast the other day and as usual they nailed this concept. In their discussion about The Law and our Christian understanding of it, they pointed listeners to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5). Starting at verse 21 Jesus seems to make being a “good Christian” an even more difficult task than just following the basic 10 Commandments:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.

Yikes! Here I was thinking, “well, I haven’t murdered anyone to date and I’m good about going to church and praying so I must be doing swell.” Yet, Jesus ups the ante. Because I don’t know about you but I was pretty angry with someone just last night! Pastor Bob Hiller goes on to reveal in the podcast that Jesus doesn‘t want to just change our behavior but our heart, thereby freeing us. And heart-change can only happen in partnership with Him and the Holy Spirit. If you have ever tried not getting angry at someone who has clearly done you wrong, and instead with true grace and forgiveness turned your cheek, you know how difficult it can be.

A few months ago, I realized my consistent prayers of trying to fix a bad habit – cursing – were focused on the entirely wrong problem. Cursing was simply a product of a wrong heart, an angry heart, a prideful heart. When I had that “Claritin Clear” moment my prayers changed to reflect the great blessings Christ left with us when sent someone in His place to be with us, the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17). This Spirit of Truth, the Advocate, our Teacher, shows us the true life God wants for us while we walk on this earth. It’s a life of love, a life of peace and mercy, of freedom, a life in full bloom. It’s a journey of sanctification so that our behavior can reveal the good work He is doing in us.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

When I took a step toward Christ saying, “I don’t want to live in anxiety, anger and chaos” the Spirit showed me the other side of that looking glass. It’s a place I want to live the rest of my days. How about you? Please join me on this 9-week journey as we look at A Christian Life in Full Bloom starting May 1. Be sure to follow the blog to receive your weekly Full Bloom post!

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Guard Your Heart

January 4, 2023January 1, 2023 krisshetter

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

I’ll admit to you right here for the world to read that I have a serious problem with cursing. Once upon a time I was innocent with my expletives. I’d say, “Jimminy Crickets!” and “gosh darn.” And then I started working in a restaurant. By the time I’d graduated high school my responses to things that went awry or to not nice people weren’t so innocent any more. Up until recently I figured I just needed to work harder at stopping. But I was reminded that overcoming sin requires more than just “working harder.”

I read a devotional that convicted me of the root of my sin – the status of my heart. It shone a light on what was flowing from my heart — anger, pride, unforgiveness, lack of compassion, lack of self-control. Although James was spot on with his imagery of the tongue being like a fire, I realized that that fire is sparked by my heart.

My “ah ha” moment that day was how much anger I allow to swirl around in my head and in my heart when someone doesn’t act how I expect or when the world doesn’t stick to My Plan. Instead of compassion, kindness, love there’s *@%! A truly ugly use of my God-given heart and tongue. And a heart change can only take place with the help of the Holy Spirit. My gal pals know I’ve joined forces with the Holy Spirit to remind me of the fruits of the spirit whenever I leave my house (because I never seem to have a cussing problem in the quiet confines of my She Shed!). I cannot produce this fruit; I can only bear it because I am closely attached to the vine of Jesus.

Friend, the world doesn’t think cussing is any big deal these days. In the past, you’d never hear cuss words on tv or on the radio. If you’ve ever spent more than a few minutes at an elementary school – yes, elementary school – you’ll find our lax attitudes toward this sin have affected our children. But we are called as Christians to be different. To be transformed. We are to guard our hearts from taking in and spewing darkness. I, for one, take the pledge. How about you?

Holy Spirit, guide my choices today in what I take into my mind and heart and help me to return to the world the fruits of your Spirit – kindness, compassion, patience and most of all love. Amen

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Miracle Worker

August 27, 2022September 7, 2022 krisshetter

²³The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23

Father in Heaven, you are a God of miracles. You bring light when I am in darkness through your healing powers and in ways I can never fully understand. Help me to see even the tiniest miracles that you perform throughout my day so I can lift up my voice in glory to You. Amen

If you were asked if you believe in miracles, what would you say? Your answer would probably depend upon how you define a miracle. Some might call it a rare event. What if instead, you changed your perspective and recognized that God works miracles in our lives every single day?

A standard definition of a miracle is “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.” And again, how would you define “extraordinary?” As I’ve grown closer to God and understanding His ways, my view of the world has certainly changed. When seen through the lens of creation being the work of God, we can find any number of impossible things made possible.

³⁷For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

I’ve been blessed with being pregnant and giving birth twice. Each time I marvelled at what was occurring in my body. A tiny human being built from microscopic pieces of the universe in a body that itself is the perfect factory for human creation. The parts all fit perfectly, just about every single time for thousands of years, millions upon millions of instances. You don’t need to know statistics to grasp how impossible that should be.

Many say “that’s just science.” Of course it is! Science is the study of God’s amazing work – where the impossible happens all the time. But let’s set human biology aside. I can state for a fact that miracles happen regularly because I have experienced them. Oh, if you had only known me 30, 20 or even just 10 years ago. You wouldn’t have seen Christ in my life. You would have seen a woman desperate for peace. Longing for joy. Fearful of not being loved or appreciated. A couple of years ago, a friend who has known me for some time commented how she could now see the work of Jesus in me. Truly a miracle. I’ve seen the same work in a few friends. Ones I thought would never change. And the change that has occurred is one that only the hand of God could’ve accomplished.

When you think “miracle” do you only think of cancer being healed? A death avoided? A financial windfall? If so, you need to rub the scales from your eyes. Just the fact that the sun rose again today was God’s miracle of creation. His glory is revealed in so many ways. Some include our continuous acts of human creation. While other times through the medicines He has placed here for us to “discover.” His miracle work is revealed each time a sinner recognizes their sin and asks God to change her and He does. And yes, whenever we are blessed financially when we need it most.

Friend, God’s glorious miracles are at work right now in your life. Like our future Eden, He doesn’t need any outside source to cause the light to shine because He makes impossible possible.