Let the Fruit of the Spirit Shine Through You This Christmas Season

Do you have more to do than time to do it? Is your patience wearing thin as you try to navigate through schedules, timelines and last-minute projects? Take the time needed to let the fruit of the spirit shine through you this Christmas season.

Paul reminds us that “the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22-23).

These are good qualities for everyone; and you, as a believer in Jesus Christ, are ahead because those fruits are already alive in you. Work with the Holy Spirit and determine to remain in His rest. Relax in the Lord and let the fruit of the spirit shine through you this Christmas, blessing your home and everyone around you.

Let Love Lead Your Interactions

Gloria Copeland teaches that each fruit is a “supernatural force” given to believers so they can overcome the pressures of life. Love is the foundation of every other fruit. At Christmastime, love may show itself as patience with long lines, kindness toward a rude stranger, or compassion for someone hurting during the holidays. We are told to “live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:2).

Comforting love can be like a warm fire on a cold day—everyone who gets near you can feel its warmth. When you choose words of love, a fruit of the spirit, and grace rather than expressing your frustration, you’re letting God’s love shine. Let the fruit of love shine through you this Christmas season.

Application:

• Pray each morning: “Lord, my life is full of Your love, following the example of Christ. I open my heart to let Your love flow through me today.”
• Look for one person each day you can bless—through a call, a gift or a prayer.

Let Joy Overflow, Regardless of Circumstances

Joy isn’t the result of perfect circumstances; joy is the result of God’s presence within you no matter the circumstance. “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Gloria Copeland says that joy is a supernatural expression of God’s character, empowering believers to rise above discouragement. And that fruit of the spirit is precisely what we need this Christmas season!

Joy is contagious, so share yours with others in your smile, your demeanor and your words of hope. Let the fruit of joy shine through you this Christmas season.

Application:

• Begin your day by thanking God for three blessings. Gratitude will stir the joy within you.
• Turn your thoughts to the joy of knowing who you are in Christ Jesus, and depend on His unshakable promises.
• Choose praise over complaining. Listen to worship music while wrapping gifts or driving.

Let Peace Guard Your Heart and Home

The season can bring pressure, but peace, another fruit of the spirit, is an inherent part of your spiritual nature. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). The fruit of peace flows from the Holy Spirit and helps you stand steady when things around you feel chaotic.

Peace is like a thermostat—not a thermometer. Instead of reflecting the stress of your environment, you set the atmosphere all around you by keeping your heart anchored in God’s Word. Let the fruit of peace shine this Christmas season.

Application:

• Schedule quiet moments with the Lord to breathe, even if just five minutes.
• When stress rises, speak peace aloud: “Lord, I receive Your peace right now.”

Walk In Patience, Kindness and Self-Control

Gloria Copeland writes that every fruit of the spirit empowers believers to overcome temptation and pressure. “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives” (Galatians 5:25). The Christmas season provides countless opportunities to practice patience, kindness and self-control—whether waiting in traffic or responding to family challenges. These fruit are yours to apply to every situation you may face.

Picture the fruit of the spirit like ornaments on a Christmas tree. As you yield to the Holy Spirit, these qualities decorate your life with the beauty of Jesus.

Application:

• Pause before responding—give the Holy Spirit space to lead your attitude and conversation.
• Let kindness become your “default setting” everywhere you go.

Conclusion: Shine the Light of Jesus This Christmas

Let the fruit of the spirit shine through you this Christmas season. When you choose love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, you reveal Jesus to your family, friends, co-workers and even strangers. With the fruit of the spirit operating in your life, you can live a strong, steady, overcoming life. In addition, you will see God use your life to bring His joy and peace to everyone around you.

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