We are always watching each other. Always. Whether we realize it or not. Have you ever met someone and just sensed that they were different? Kinder, more genuine, or authentic? Our spirit recognizes what the Bible describes as “fruits of the Holy Spirit” in others: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We are drawn to it in others, and we want more of it within ourselves.
When our daughter Laura (our third child) was five years old, she wanted the Holy Spirit to fill her with all of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. My husband and I prayed with her, and she became so joy-filled she couldn’t contain it! She fell on the ground laughing and couldn’t stop. As a parent, I celebrated this joy, but also wondered if it would last (she was our dramatic one!). But for our sweet daughter, it did.
As Laura entered her teen years and moved into adulthood, she was the one that her siblings would shake their heads at — she was just filled with so much goodness. Often she was the first to help volunteer – with anything! She was the first to offer a compliment. The first to share. Her siblings loved her, but she also made them a little crazy. Thus began the long-running joke about Laura’s “Coat of Many Colors.” (You know that Bible story about Joseph getting a rainbow coat from his dad for being the favorite?)
Laura would give the perfect answer and a sibling would good-naturedly pipe up, “Uh, Laura? I think you forgot your rainbow coat in the car.” She’d laugh. We all would, but this is our Laura. She’s not perfect, but she is filled with the goodness and joy of God.
Even as an adult, she has this sparkle you can’t quite put your finger on. I’ll be out in public with her and people will stop her to comment on the goodness they see in her. I want more of that. She is an example to me.
How amazing when the kids that we raise grow up and seek the Lord, and then, in turn, help US seek him more too! I therefore watch my daughter, Laura. I see how she smiles and treats people with unconditional love, and I want to be more like her.
We can’t be filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit through our own power or desire. It is a free gift from the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for more of what you’re lacking. He loves his kids and gives his kids good gifts.
If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13)
Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to fill us up with all of that beautiful fruit until we are overflowing with so much goodness and joy that it is contagious to everyone we meet.
Journal/Reflection Questions:
1. What fruits of the Holy Spirit pour out from your heart, your face, and your actions?
2. What fruits of the Holy Spirit do you see coming out from your children’s heart, face, and actions? How can you see specific fruits of the Holy Spirit shining from them more often?
3. Ask Jesus, “What fruits of the Holy Spirit do you see shining from me?” “What areas am I lacking?” “Will you please fill me with all of the fruits of your Holy Spirit?”
Kathy Morgan has been married to her best friend, Bob, for over 37 years. Together they have four grown, married, children and seven grandchildren. Kathy is a Hospital Chaplain and loves mentoring women, hosting ministry events in her home, prayer, cooking, reading historical Biblical fiction, and eating all forms of potatoes.