If each spouse responded with the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s fruit being evidenced in them there would be no more divorce among Christians. Think about that. Imagine what it would look like and feel to have your spouse treat you with: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Is it possible that your marriage could be transformed if these qualities were present?
Of course, we can’t force our spouse to change, for at that very point we would cease to manifest gentleness or self-control or any other fruit.The only one we have the power to influence toward change is ourself.
So how does one begin to build their marriage through the evidenced presence of the Holy Spirit? That’s what we are going to explore in the next few blog posts each Thursday. One by one we will present each Fruit of the Spirit and some ideas for how to yield ourself to His work in our lives and marriage.
We know that among our readers there are a variety of theologies and individual perspectives of the work and person of the Holy Spirit. We believe He is the third person of the Trinity, He is a person, He is God, and He is active in the life of every person who has accepted Jesus as their leader and forgiver (aka Lord and Savior). As we increasingly grow in our relationship with Jesus and actively surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit, His presence transforms who we are into being more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Think of your life as having an instrument panel in front of you. As you look at the panel you notice that each gauge represents a different Fruit of the Spirit. Take a moment right now and ask God to reveal to you which gauges are toward empty. Is it joy? Patience? Gentleness? Self-control?
This simple evaluation is something that can be done on the way home from work, or before your spouse arrives, or when the children are heading home, or before an important meeting. Whatever God reveals, simply pray and ask Him to give you __________. You are yielding your spirit to the Holy Spirit’s work in and through you.
Without fail, each time we have practiced that simple evaluation and prayer, God has answered abundantly. We are praying and asking in accordance to His will. He WANTS us to reflect Jesus to those around us! Similarly, each time we have failed to evaluate and pray, our response has been less than Christ-like.
Keep this in mind as you read the upcoming posts on the different Fruit of the Spirit. Be humble before God as you yield to His Spirit and Build Your Marriage!