FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
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Discuss why you think this gift is considered the greatest fruit of the Holy Spirit?
Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Take a 'gift' for each day of the week -
read the scripture verses that accompany it then reflect on it in your own life.
WISDOM
This is a gift that comes about over time. A wise person has learned how to look at life from all perspectives, to see and understand the whole picture of a situation. Someone who is wise can see how everything is part of God's love. (Wisdom 7:14; Sirach 1:23, 14:20-27; Proverbs 2:1-6)
Think of times throughout your day when you could have thought more before opening your mouth to speak.
If you had taken the time to think would the reaction of the other person have been different?
Was there a time today when someone offended you with what they said?
Are you able to let that comment go and forgive the person who said it?
UNDERSTANDING
The ability to see from another person's heart, to recognise the feelings of others and to put these before our own. It is letting the word of God have room in our lives.
(Wisdom 3:9; Proverbs 24-3)
Think about your day, were there times that you tried to take control and do it on your own, your own way?
Understanding requires us to remember that God has got things covered, that we are working alongside God, and God wants to be part of every decision and moment of our day.
Take a moment to share with God something that you are trying to work through, ask God for guidance.
KNOWLEDGE
The ability to find important information and facts and look at them objectively and intelligently. It helps us be aware of the world and our place in it.
(Proverbs 19:27; 24:3-5)
Think about your day, were there some times that you rushed into things without considering God?
By asking yourself 'What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD) you can keep yourself on track and more easily recall the knowledge that God offers us in the example of Jesus.
Take a moment from today and think about what Jesus would have done in that situation. Try and put this into practice tomorrow.
COURAGE
The ability to follow our convictions and conscience no matter what the cost. Courage gives us the strength to do what is right in spite of obstacles and difficulties.
(Psalms 118:6, 13-14; Philippians 1:12-14)
Sometimes doing the right thing in the eyes of God is not the same thing as doing the right thing in the eyes of our friends. Was there a moment today when the pressure from friends won out?
God wants you to now that even when you do not choose God's way - God is always with you.
Have the courage tomorrow to make decisions that are in line with God's plan.
COUNSEL
The gift in which a person is open to others' insights about a problem and is skilled at working with the people to solve that problem. It is about making right judgements in our lives.
(Sirach 19:18; 32:16-19; 37:7-15; Proverbs 15:22)
Sometimes we seek guidance from people who tell us what we want to hear. God wants us to hear what we need to hear. Consider someone in your life who you could go to for guidance or support that would give you good advice.
Think about times when you are asked for advice. Do you say what people want to hear or do you take time to consider and give honest respectful advice?
REVERENCE
The gift of reverence is honoring God, God's people and the gift of the world around us.
(Psalms 118:23-24, 29: Sirach 42:15-25; 43)
Think about your day today, the people you met, the places you went, the food you ate.
Everything we have is a gift from God, if we can think about this when we interact with people, when we use earth's resources and when we consume things, we will be more able to see the choices that God wants us to make.
Spend time thanking God for some of the gifts in your life.
(People who love you, food, clothing, transport, education, fresh water etc)
WONDER & AWE
The ability to be amazed by things in life, to be awake to the realisation that we are always in God's presence. God created the beauty of the universe but also listens to us, cares for us, and loves us beyond anything we can imagine.
(Isaiah 29-23; Sirach 32:13; 43:28-35)
Yesterday we took time to think about the gifts that God has given and continues to give us.
Why do you think God gifts us with so much?
Do you know that God loves you so much God wants you to live a life that is full and amazing?
Often if we stop and are grateful for what we have, and focus on what is important in Gods eyes, our days naturally become more filled with joy.
What things in your life make you feel truly happy?
Spend some time sharing them with your family.
