Slow Growth: A 4-Day Plan to Examine Your Spiritual Fruit and Live Unhurriedಮಾದರಿ

Love, Joy, Peace

Today, we’re going to take some time to reflect on the first three characteristics of what it is to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Scripture helps us to understand what love and joy and peace are, and what those practically look like in our lives.

Feel free to approach this like a quiz and ask the Lord to help you evaluate your life based on the following indicators.

Indicators of Love:

• You measure your actions, thoughts, and decisions against the Word of God. Love is not conditional, temporary, or optional. If we bear the fruit of love, we will strive to practice it in our hearts, souls, and minds at all times (Matt. 22:37, 1 Cor. 16:14).
• You go out of your way to serve everyone...not just the people who are easy to love (Matt. 5:44, Luke 6:32).
• Your actions line up with your talk (1 John 3:18).
• You hate the things that displease and dishonor God (Amos 5:15a, Rom. 12:9).
• You think of others before yourself. Love is both selfless and sacrificial (Matt. 22:39b, John 15:13, Rom. 13:10).

Indicators of Joy:

• Your circumstances don’t define you. True joy does not come and go; instead, joy is rooted in the hope found in Christ alone (Neh. 8:10, John 16:22).
• Trials strengthen your faith (Ps. 30:5, James 1:2).
• You eagerly seek time with the Lord now and anticipate His coming (Hab. 3:18, Rom. 15:13).
• You pursue the unity of the church. This means you are present, serving, loving, and encouraging your fellow believers (Phil. 2:2).

Indicators of Peace:

• You keep your heart and mind focused on the Lord (Isa. 26:3, Col. 3:15).
• You avoid unrighteous conflict and seek to live in harmony (Isa. 32:17, Heb. 12:14).
• Even in chaos, you are calm. You trust the One who stills the storm (Mark 4:39, 1 Cor. 14:33).
• Your heart is light. You don’t constantly bear the burden of fear and anxiety ( John 14:27, Phil. 4:6-7).
• You are confident in your relationship with God because you know what Jesus did for you (Rom. 5:1, Eph. 2:14).

Reflect:

Which of these areas do you struggle with the most? How can you pursue growth in this area today?