"...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness..." Galatians 5:22-23 “The product of a true, growing, gospel-centered nature is often gentleness.” — Timothy Keller We have been looking at the fruit of the Spirit at a glance for the past few weeks, and today we come to Gentleness. If you were to look back over all the "fruit" we have studied, is there one that stands out to you over the rest? Some may say - Love - because without love - the world would be a dark and empty place where no one cares. Some may say - Joy - because without joy - why get up out of bed, if your day only will only be filled with misery and despair? Some may say - Peace - because without peace - I am filled with fear and uncertainty, and the world feels like it is closing in on me. Some may say - Patience - because without patience - the world is filled with agitation, discouragement, and a desire for revenge. Some may say - Kindness - because without kindness - our hearts would be filled with malice and we would live a life of bitterness and callousness towards others. Some may say - Goodness - because God is good - and it obvious - we are not - we are selfish and without a heart of generosity and care the world would be nothing but evil. Some may say - Faithfulness - because without faithfulness - is a world filled with disobedience to the goodness of God and His ways and a life of disloyalty, treachery, and infidelity... What about Gentleness? A world without gentleness - is a world filled with anger, a desire for revenge, and narcissism. Maybe Gentleness is unique in that gentleness is central to the life of a Christian. Gentleness is a reflection of the character of our Savior who by the working of the Holy Spirit enables to live out out gentleness in our daily lives. Gentleness, can also mean “meekness,” which does not mean weakness. Rather, it means living a life of humility and thankfulness toward God. Speaking the truth with power and in love, having restrained emotions and behavior toward others.  1 Peter 3:13-16, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." Gentleness is applied all areas of our lives. -In our personal relationships : We need to be attentive and good listeners even though you may a different point of view, speaking kindly, and avoiding hurtful words. -In the workplace: We need to see our coworkers and treat them with respect and be open to serve and offer advice a gentle and non-threatening tone. -Parenting with gentleness is crucial, because we know our children will not be perfect. It can be so hard to convey gentleness as a parent because we often times let our guard down to "be good to all. When we need to be present, patient, kind and gentle with our children, we can fall short on gentleness if we are tired, over worked and stressed. We need to be wise in how we handle scolding's and consequences, and remember to be firm yet gentle. -In general interactions : Remember, humans are flawed and sinful and in need of Jesus - even Christians. So showing kindness and respect towards strangers is also living with a gentle spirit like Jesus did. Do your best to avoid quarrelsome or rude behavior, by remembering Jesus gentleness in handling you. Rick Warren has a good breakdown of 8 biblical benefits of gentleness. 1. Gentleness Diffuses Conflict, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Proverbs 15:1 2. Gentleness Disarms Critics, "We appeal gently when evil things are said about us” 1 Corinthians 4:13 3. Gentleness is Persuasive, “Gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses” Proverbs 25:15 4. Gentleness is Attractive, “But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness” 1 Timothy 6:11 5. Gentleness Communicates Love, "Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 6. Gentleness Earns Respect, "In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.." 1 Peter 3:15 7. Gentleness is a Witness to Unbelievers, (1 Peter 3:15 again) 8. Gentleness Makes Me Like Jesus, "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives” Matthew 11:28-29 Being gentle does not mean allowing others to treat you like a doormat, take advantage of you, or abuse you. Learning how and to extend gentleness is something we learn from watching Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to grow in us and lead us in wisdom with. We see in John 8, the Pharisees bring a woman who was caught in adultery to Jesus. The Pharisees told Jesus that the Law of Moses commanded them to stone such a woman, to which Jesus responds, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” John 8:7 After everyone left, Jesus did not condemn the woman, but said to her, “Go now and leave your life of sin” John 8:11. As hard as it may be at times, this is how we are called to live and love like Jesus, gentle and humble, while speaking the truth in love. Even in our sin, God continues to love us. He does not keep record of our wrongs, but offers forgiveness, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8

Galatians 5:22-23 "...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Faithfulness is steadfastness Faithfulness is one of the fruits of the Spirit that should mark our lives as Christians. When we hear the word "faithfulness" we most likely think of marriage. Being a faithful spouse means you are committed to your spouse no matter what. Sadly, our culture today does not represent faithfulness very well. Even when we look at stats for Christian marriages, approximately twenty-five percent of Christians divorced in 2016. If you look at your own past relationships - whether they be friendships, family, or romantic - how many times have you been let down because the ones you trusted to love and care for you let you down because they were not loyal, steadfast or true to their word. Once you have been hurt in this way, it's really hard to open your heart again and trust, but over time we often times can. Our human experiences play a huge roll in how we perceive God. If we have come from a family, where let's say, the father was harsh, emotionally disconnected, or even absent, this can affect how we perceive God. If we have been let down time and time again by those who are supposed to care for us, whether that be family or friends, we can very easily lump God in that group of "the unfaithful". Those experiences can also have a very negative affect on how we interpret His word. If I can't trust humans who are supposed to love and care for me, how then am I to trust God and what He says? I want to encourage you to give Him a chance. I know it may feel risky - I do understand that - but if your heart is longing for more than this world can satisfy, and your mind is curious, then simple ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His word- and see what happens. Here is an overview of God's story: Old Testament ·         Genesis 1–11 (history that is foundational to all doctrine—including the gospel) ·         Exodus 20 (which gives the Law) New Testament ·         John (outlines who Jesus is and how He is the God-man and our Savior) ·         Romans (which teaches the gospel in depth) ·         and the last two chapters of Revelation (which teach about the new Heavens and earth, and that those who trust Christ will be with the Lord forever, and those who don’t will sadly suffer the “second death” being separated from God in Hell forever) We can learn so much about faithfulness when we look at the person of Jesus and the Father. As you read through the bible you will see time and time again God's faithfulness to those who love and obey Him. Let's look at one account from the Old Testament. It is the account of Abraham and Sarah, and what account it is. It is a close look at God's faithfulness and our lack of faithfulness. Genesis 12 The Call of Abram "12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there." Genesis 15 "...the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 16 "Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me... 15 So Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.” Genesis 17 "When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you... 17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?... 19 Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him." Genesis 21 "Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. 3 Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. 4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” 7 And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” God's faithfulness may not always look as we may think it should, or it may take Him longer than we desire - But He is faithful because He is good. And when we take matters into our own hands - we mess things up and pain comes from it. God is the perfect example of faithfulness - learn from Him - be open to the Holy Spirit and be willing to submit to His working in your heart. “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” (Psalm 36:5) If you think God's faithfulness is amazing in the life of Abraham - look to the cross of Christ - there you will see what faithfulness truly looks like - Philippians 2 "Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, 2 complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. 3 Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. 4 Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. 5 Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: 6 Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.7 But he emptied himself  by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, 8  he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.9 Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, 10 so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Grace & Peace <><

Goodness - Living a life of integrity and purity; virtue and holiness in action A life compelled by God’s love within us to be righteousness and desiring to be a blessing to God and others. A life where we seek to honor God first and foremost in our life. A life that will bless and benefit of others. Goodness is not simply being moral- but is lifestyle of worship to our Savior, thus the outflow of our worship will be the blessing, not us as humans, but our life of worship to Him whom we adore. It is us allowing the Holy Spirit who moves us to goodness. Human effort falls short of true goodness. We can strive to be good and we can desire to be better, but ultimately; it is the living power of the Holy Spirit at work within us that brings forth goodness. Jesus asks the question, to a man who, “ran up to him and fell on his knees before him." asking, "'Good teacher...‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’" I love how Jesus often responds to questions with questions, ‘Why do you call me good?’ ‘No one is good – except God alone.” Jesus will often times respond with a question because He wants His inquistor, and for us the reader of the text, to think through the question that was first asked. Jesus wants us to stop, think and not just have Jesus spoon feed us because He knows that allowing us time to stop and think will help us to have a deeper understanding of where our base thinking is coming from, and what our world view might be on the question, and our perceptions of how we might want Jesus to answer. Jesus’ teachings are always meant to break through our mindset and reveal our narrative verses His truth. (http://truth.here) Jesus' lesson to us is that goodness does not come from human effort, but rather from God Himself - through the power of the Holy Spirit whom dwells within the follower of Christ. After reading this, you might think to yourself, "What do you mean! I'm a good person!" I do this and this and this, and I don't do this and this and this." But the Bible tells us that “there is none who does good.” Romans 3:12(https://www.bibleref.com/Romans/3/Romans-3-12.html) True goodness was displayed in the person of Jesus – and only Jesus. True goodness is without blemish and sin, and we are sinful beings. It is only through the renewing and transforming work of the Holy Spirit that is at work within us that goodness flows out from us. Goodness is something God moves in us for the benefit of others, not simply to be a good person. When the Spirit compels us to display goodness, Matthew 5:16 (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/5/Matthew-5-16.html)says we are to, "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." It is for bringing glory to our heavenly Father, it is not for the sake of making us feel good about ourselves, it is not always for the sake of making others feel good, sometimes displaying goodness might mean lovingly confronting someone's sin. Goodness may look like many things, caring for the poor, bringing meals to a young single mother, praying for someone who has wronged you and for reconciliation. Goodness doesn't always "feel" good - but it is the working of the Spirit to bring God's goodness to this world for a specific reason, so that He will be given glory and so others will come to Him and find eternal salvation.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-26 I read an article a while back about a “Be Kind” message that began trending across the globe back in 2018 as a result of a woman repurposing a whiteboard she found thrown in the trash while on a walk. This woman simply wanted to encourage others with words of kindness, So she began to write positive messages on the board that she displayed in her front yard. "Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24 How true is this - we all long to be treated with kindness. Yet why is it so hard? Why is there a "Be Kind" movement trending on yard signs and t-shirts? Why do we need to be reminded to be kind - when we all long for it ourselves? Is it because we have become synical ? Calloused from being hurt ourselves? Distrustful of kindness? So stubborn and focused on self that we are unable to see and hear another? Built walls around our hearts or hardened them so as to protect ourselves from being hurt once again? All of these play into why we may struggle with not being kind - sadly to the point that we have lost the ability to be kind. If we look at Jesus we can see all throughout scripture that it was His kindness that drew many to Him. Let's take a look a three different ways Jesus extended kindness and to whom. 1. Feeding the hungry ark 6:34-44 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%206&version=NIV)"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[e](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%206&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24445e)! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. 2. Healing the sick Matthew 8:1-4 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%208%3A1-4&version=NIV)"When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” – 3. Caring for and spending time with "outcasts" Luke 19:1-10 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019%3A1-10&version=NIV)"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was. But because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” “If God is Love, He is, by definition, something more than mere kindness. And it appears, from all the records, that though He has often rebuked us and condemned us, He has never regarded us with contempt. He has paid us the intolerable compliment of loving us, in the deepest, most tragic, most inexorable sense.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain(https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2976220) Kindness is what led God to provide salvation for us - Titus 3:4-5 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%203%3A4-5&version=NIV)"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.." Kindness leads God to show grace, mercy and forgiveness to those who repent and turn to Him - Romans 2:4-8; (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%202&version=NLT)"Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness." Kindness leads God to give us His love, joy, peace, patience, etc. and restoration of our souls - He is Kindness and He is King -

"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! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." Galatians 5:22-25 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205&version=NLT) What does patience look like? What does patience feel like? The word “patience” comes from the word hupomene, which broken down into two words - hupo and meno. The word hupo means under, and meno means to stay or to remain. When joined together, the word means endurance or to stay under. It gives us a picture of one who is under a heavy load but is resolved in staying put - regardless of how hard or heavy that load becomes. Patience in Galatians 5:22 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205%3A22&version=NIV)literally means “long temper,” in the sense of “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time.” It can also mean “longsuffering.” A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing. Did you know that patience is actually a position of power. Have you ever thought about that? Patience is self-restraint and careful thinking. When we are faced with a difficult or challenging situation, we must choose to exert - patience. It is taking a deep breath and resolving to restrain from taking revenge and or lashing out with words that you cannot take back; it is choosing to love and ask God for help because we want to have a heart like Him and to choose to pray for that person who wronged us. Patience is choosing to give compassion to a tiring and challenging person. Patience is choosing to trust and wait on God through trying situations because we have hope for healing or relief or whatever it is we are going through. Patience is the state of being that comes from being grounded in God and abiding in Him that occurs over a lifetime of experiences and reactions and how they played out. Losing patience is a sign of weakness. Patience is a virtue they say. We admire those who have it, we even aspire to have it from afar - yet, the closer it comes to us — when it invades our peaceful lives, or intrudes on our way of life, the claws come out and the tongue fires up quicker than we can hold back and bite down. How can we become more patience? Patience grows in the soil of the Spirit — from a place of humility and a willingness to embrace the reality that we do not know and cannot control all things. It comes from a deep and abiding trust that God is in control and will follow through on all of His promises. It comes from a heart that is surrendered to Him and is truly happy to have God on throne of their life. Have you ever thought about how patient God is with us? Take a look back over your life. Look at this world, the choices we make, how we treat each other, how we do not value human life, how we disregard Him and His ways, God is so patient with sinners. Romans 2:4 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%202-4&version=NIV)– “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” - His patience is meant to lead us to repentance. Romans 9:22 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%209%3A22&version=NIV)– "Even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. - His patience is meant to save us from self destruction. 1 Peter 3:20 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%203:20-22&version=NIV)– “Those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.” - God had immense patience with the evil people of Noah’s day, delaying judgment as long as possible, just as He still remains to this day. 2 Peter 3:15 -(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%203:15&version=NIV) our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. When we feel irritated, discouraged, frustrated, agitated, anger and have a desire for revenge - God says: Romans 12:12 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A12&version=ESV)"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Galatians 6:9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A9&version=ESV)"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Romans 8:25 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A25&version=ESV)"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Ephesians 4:2 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A2&version=ESV)"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love," Psalm 37:7-9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37%3A7-9&version=ESV)"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land." 1 Corinthians 13:4 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A4&version=ESV)"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant." This is the will of God- He knows that practicing patience is beneficial to our heart, soul and mind - and beneficial to those around us. If we are to live like Christ, we are to live like Him with a spirit of patience - towards Him, towards ourselves, and towards others. When we choose impatience - nothing good comes from it - for us or those around us. Have you ever experienced any of these side effects when you are feeling impatient? 1. A lack of peace and joy. 2. Restlessness, stress, irritability, and just an overall negative attitude 3. A feeling of inadequacy and frustration within ourselves and others. 4. Clouded thinking 5. A rise in your blood pressure 6. The inability to be present because your mind is elsewhere fretting or mulling over that which is stealing your attention of impatience. These are just a few of the negative side effects impatience can cause us. John 14:27 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014%3A27&version=ESV)– “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Let's close with reading a passage from the book of John. I believe it will help us as we go forward with our study on the Fruit of the Spirit. As we come to understand that we are not left to figure this out on our own, nor are we to muster up these "fruits" by ourselves. God invites us to "abide in Him," and that in Him is where we find true peace and patience comes from His Spirit working within us as we put our trust in Him and allow Him to work in and through us. Here is a beautiful picture of what God can do in us if we come to Him with a willing heart and mind. John 15 :1-17 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=ESV) The Vine and the Branches “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. if you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit— fruit that will last— and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want… 22 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:13-22 What comes to mind when you think about the word - Peace? Take a moment and sit back with your eyes closed - with nothing but silence - breathe in - then breathe out. Repeat. Now add dim light and soft worship music. Repeat. And... Repeat... deep breath in - deep breath out ... Absorb the peace and quiet- Rest in the atmosphere we have just set in place- Are you there? Could you do it? Maybe, you have crying baby that needs you, or a loud tv playing in the background, or police car sirens sounding off. Maybe - finding peace is not as easy as I just made it out to be, or is it? Maybe peace is something much more than an experience or the atmosphere you are in. Let's read what Paul has to say about peace. Romans 12:18,(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012%3A18&version=NIV) "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." Is that the peace Galatians is talking about? “Keeping peace” with others? Today I have a few questions for you to think and pray over, and even journal about if that helps you in your quiet time. 1. What is the "Peace" that the fruit of the spirit speaks of? (Your time to think, pray, and journal) The dictionary defines "Peace" as: - freedom from disturbance; tranquility: - a state or period in which there is no war, or a war has ended - a concept of societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. We live in a day and age where people are striving to find some sense of peace- Anxiety and depression are rapidly increasing faster than we have ever seen. Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/use-your-brain/202111/depression-and-anxiety-are-the-rise-globally)has a recent article titled: “Depression and Anxiety are on the Rise Globally: A new study shows we’re experiencing a mental health crisis. What’s going on?” “Anxiety disorder went up 25.6 percent worldwide during the pandemic. For depressive disorder, the prevalence increased by 27.6 percent.” There are many factors that play into why people are searching for peace: home life, peer pressure, social media, performance pressure, financial issues, isolation for various reasons. The main reason we humans strive to find peace is because nothing in this world has a lasting comfort or ability to meet the needs of our most inner self, therefore we will continue to feel unsettled. The Bible defines peace primarily in three ways. 1. Psychological peace, the comfort within. 2. Relational peace, harmony among humanity. 3. Spiritual peace, which is between God and man. The reason humans are not at peace is because we are odds with God – we are not at peace with our Maker. When God created humans,(https://peacewithgod.net/who-made-me/) Adam and Eve were at peace with God, they were at peace within themselves and with each other. Sadly, that peace was lost when they turned against God. 2. How can we find true Peace? God provided the way to find true peace – through His Son, Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, who He sent to our world to take away our sins by allowing Himself to be crucified. Through His sacrifice He made it possible for us to have peace once again with God our Father — which will spill over into every other area of our lives - being at peace with God, will bring peace within ourselves and move in us to live at peace with each other. Just as with "Joy", we cannot muster up peace within ourselves. Yes, we can take long hot baths, we can light candles and sit in "peace and quiet" with a cup of coffee, but the "Peace" that is of the Fruit of the Spirit goes beyond that kind of peace. This world can offer momentarily soothing moments, those are special moments indeed, and you can find peace there, but it can disappear in a blink of an eye or a knock at the front door. This "Peace" is an eternal Peace, a saved by grace Peace, a sweet relationship with Jesus and being at peace with God - Peace. Ephesians 2:14-17 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%202:14-17&version=NIV)"For Christ himself has brought peace to us." Today, I encourage you to set some time aside, maybe now, or later to read, reflect, pray, and spend time journaling how these verses show us how being at peace with God, will bring us ultimate peace. Hebrews 4:16 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%204:16&version=NIV)– “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” John 15:15 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:15&version=NIV)–(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:15&version=NIV) “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Isaiah 26:3 (https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Isa%2026.3)- “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Philippians 4:4-7 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%204:4-7&version=NIV)– “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” John 14:27 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:27&version=NIV)– “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The Fruit of the Spirit – Peace, comes from the source of Peace because the Holy Spirit dwells within a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ, peace is available in every situation, and unlike anything that the world has to offer. When we live at odds with God or we are not trusting in God or seeking God for His peace and are trying to do things on our own, our lives can become filled with doubt, filled with fear, anxiety and depression- Why? Because we have taken our eyes of the source of Peace - God is a wellspring of life (John 4:13)(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204&version=NIV) and peace, rest in Him today, bring your burdens to Him today, (Matthew 11:28-30)(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011:28-30&version=NIV) lay them at the foot of His cross today, seek community with other believers to help them carry your load if you are struggling- but seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. Let's close with reading Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Amen

The Fruit of the Spirit is, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control; Against Such Things There Is No Law. Galatians 5:22-23 When reading Galatians 5:22-23, did you notice how the passage says, " The Fruit and not the Fruits" of the Spirit? Why does Paul refer to the fruit singularly and not in a plural form? I have heard some explain the Fruit of the Spirit this way- The source of "Fruit" is Love. That is why "Love" is the first listed. Picture a beautiful waterfall cascading down upon all that is below it - Love spills over and fills joy... Love spills over and fills joy which spills over and fills peace… Love spills over and fills joy which spills over and fills peace which spills over and fills patience, and so on. The Fruit of Love Is Joy (Joy Comes from Love) The Fruit of Love Is Peace (Peace Comes from Love) etc. Which then produces, Loving Joy or Loving peace…loving kindness spilling over and filling goodness… Which makes all the fruit – singular since “they” stem from one singular place – Love. Since we are human and we are taught from a young age to have good manners or to be kind, we somehow think that the "fruit of the Spirit" can be mustered up from our own human effort. This "fruit" is the product of the Holy Spirit’s cultivation of character in a person's heart —not from our own effort. There is no amount of human determination that can produce true spiritual fruit - The Holy Spirit alone grows His fruit to a humble and yielded heart. Let's first address the difference between Joy and Happiness Happiness – is circumstantial. Think Christmas morning with a beautifully decorated tree, surrounded with presents and family. Or, winning a coveted award after much work, or finding out your crush has a crush on you as well, or even deeper still, your cancer results come back negative. Happiness has to do with life going the way you want it to go and all the feelings that come with it. Happiness is when everything is going well, filled with moments stacked on top of each other – makes us "feel happy." Joy in the Old Testament is described as a quality of life as well as emotion despite circumstances. The songs in the Psalms show us this kind of joy songs of spontaneous worship that celebrate Who God is and Who He is to you and your love for Him and His character. Joy is also described in the New Testament as a feeling of amazement in response to God’s grace and mercy, and the hope that is connected to us having now having Jesus knowing our eternity with Him far outweighs our momentary suffering in this world. As heavy as life can be, we can look to Jesus and what He endured for us and be reminded of His good and faithful love, and we can read God's word and to fill our heart and mind with hope and even joy during those difficult moments. The book of Psalms is full of moments of joy during very hard and dark times in the author’s life. Joy is something that is experienced despite circumstances. Joy can replace disappointment on Christmas morning when you didn’t get what you really wanted but still feel a deep joy because you know Christmas is more than just stuff and you are thankful for family all God has given you. Or not winning the award you hoped for, but instead thanking God for the opportunity to use your gifts for His glory and inspire others with them to point to Jesus. And that crush you hoped was interested in you, but realize God has someone better for you and that His love will satisfy you no matter what - deeper still, your cancer has not left and learning to find God at the center of that pain and being open to what God is going to do in the midst of this very hard and painful situation, trusting He won’t leave your side. When life is hard, there are opportunities to find Joy in the midst of suffering, hurt and disappointment. Joy reaches beyond the “feel good” and goes to the heart of our belief and faith. in the One we call Lord, God, Father, Savior, Friend The fruit of Joy is having complete confidence in God, despite how you feel, what is going on around you. Knowing that your God, is bigger than anything we are experiencing. Joy is knowing that you are being held in the arms of your Savior. Now, this does not mean that we live with a fake smile plastered on our faces. No one expects that of you in hard days - not even God. But in these times, we can meet God, see God, grow in God, and encounter God in ways we won’t when life is running smoothly. God calls us and invites us to be real with Him…as the Psalmist was. He invites us to bring our feelings of hurt, disappointment, frustration, fear, and anger and more. He invites us to be real with Him. In the midst of hardships if we allow God into our pain, we will come to know Him in a much deeper and personal way, and oddly enough... He will become our joy “Splendor & Majesty are before him; strength & Joy in his dwelling place” 1 Chronicles 16:27 At the core of our hardships there is “strength and joy found in His dwelling place,” and we can find joy resting in the knowledge that Jesus does love you and that, "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 How Do we Find Joy in God? We find joy in God’s presence: If we are willing to allow the Holy Spirit to draw us to God, through His word, through prayer, through worship of singing, God's presence will fill us, and we will experience true joy. Psalm 16:11: “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” We find joy because of salvation: As a follower of Christ, our greatest joy is found at the foot of the cross when we reflect on what Jesus did for us. To focus on how God saved us by making a way for us to spend eternity with Him - with no suffering - no pain. Luke 15:7: All heaven is joyful when a person accepts God’s provision of salvation. Joy is a gift as well as a response to God. Joy comes when we are aware of God’s grace and live with a grateful heart for Who He is and What He has done for you. When we yield to the Spirit, He opens our eyes to God’s beauty and grace that fills us and surrounds us. Romans 15:13 Joy cannot fully be found in this world; yes, there are moments of happy/joy filled with loved ones and beautiful sunsets, but true joy will only be found in a relationship Jesus. He makes our joy complete 1 John 1:4 When you are ready, I would encourage you to open up your bible or download a bible app and read through the pages of Psalms. You will find direction, great encouragement. hope and joy there as did the author as he penned his hearts cry to His Creator and King - the One he chose to put his trust in and find joy in - amidst his trials and hardships. Psalm 16:11- You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 28:6,7- Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Spring - who else loves this time of year? Looking outside my window right now, it still looks and feels like winter sadly - but I know warmer days are coming. Maybe you're like me and you start planting your garden seeds in tiny pots around March in your home so that when that warm weather comes you can plant those growing vegetable plants that you have been caring for by keeping them in the right conditions, watering them, and giving them the nourishment, they need to grow. I was not raised as a gardener but being married to a farmer I have learned to appreciate having our own garden and being able to grow our own vegetables and what it takes to help grow them to their fullest potential. There is something special about planting tiny seeds in little pots with your children and watch them grow. You can learn a lot about God and yourself while gardening. With the right conditions, we can all grow. Have you ever thought about what it means to grow in God? In 1 John 4:7-12 We learn that God is love- "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." How beautiful is this truth! To think that there is an actual source where love comes from. It is not an ethereal feeling, it is not like a mist, it has substance and purpose, and it was given to us humans by an infinite being who calls Himself, "I am who I am." "Love is from God...God is love...In this love...God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."" If God is love, how do I gain access to His love so that I can grow in His love? If you have a Bible, I encourage you to open it to these passages: (If you don't have a bible there are online Bible Apps like YouVersion Bible App) Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” We have all sinned. We have all done things that are displeasing to God. Romans 6:23, teaches us about the consequences of sin: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23: “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 10:9, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Because of Jesus’ death on our behalf, all we have to do is believe in Him, trusting His death as the payment for our sins - and we will be saved! Romans 10:13 says it again, “for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 5:1 in closing tell us “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through Jesus Christ we can have a relationship of peace with God. Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Because of Jesus’ death on our behalf, we will never be condemned for our sins. Finally, we have this precious promise of God from Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God's love is the soil in which we plant ourselves in, the source of all life, nourishment and beauty - we plant ourselves into the hands of God, the source of Love. If you want to see what the love of God can be in a person's life, the Bible is full of human encounters with God from the very first book in Genesis to the last book in Revelation. The love of God lived out in His Son, Jesus, and the affect it has had on countless lives even to this day can be a great encouragement to you as you seek to know God better and experience His love in a more intimate way. Many today equate love to emotions, but the love God has for us is so much more. I said earlier that love has substance and has purpose, and it was given to us. If we were to look closely at the lives that encountered God in the bible, was it simply emotions they felt when they met Jesus? Was it this emotional encounter that made them feel like they needed to live a more moral or religious life? Or was it something more than just a feeling? That something was a Someone moving and transforming them from within. That Someone is the Holy Spirit, who was growing in them the love of God. Like gardening, growing in God's love is a process of becoming more like Christ. Why is it important to understand who the Holy Spirit is and what His involvement is in all of this. "The Holy Spirit is God, and is a divine person, a being with a mind, emotions, and a will. The Holy Spirit is God, the third Person of the Trinity. Since He is God, the Holy Spirit is the source of Comfort, He is the Almighty Counselor that Jesus promised He would be (John 14:16) and so much more. Our growing in love must be more than a feeling - as you know - feelings change like the wind - and can even deceive us. Jeremiah 17:9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?" In order for us to grow in God's love we need the Holy Spirit's power to help us to be grounded in God's love. In Ephesians 3:16-19, Paul prays for the Ephesian believers, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." If we do not come to God and we do not allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and grow in us, we will spend a lifetime seeking for it somewhere and will find fake versions of it in an empty worldly love; an unsatisfying, possibly toxic, unhealthy love. “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...” Galatians. 5:19-22 Like with any relationship, we desire God’s love, though we may not know it, we will seek to find it in other places or other people to fill what some call a “God shape hole.” This “God-shaped hole” is a natural longing we all have for something outside ourselves, something transcendent, something “other” to fill us. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says God’s placed "eternity in man’s heart." God made humanity for His eternal purpose, and only God can fulfill our desire for eternity. We read here in Galatians 5 that God has fruit He gives us that comes from His love and will grow in us with His help. Remember, God is love – therefore, love is the foundation of all things God. Did you know that you were hard wired to love? You were created to love because – God is LOVE, and He is deeply personal. The Trinity is deeply personal. God created humans for them to come to know and share in this deeply personal relationship He shares within the Trinity – It is something so deep that we will never fully understand this side of heaven – because sin exists here - Yet He invites us and adopts us into His family so we can begin to grow in His love for Him and for others. Did you know that whatever you are doing, thinking, and feeling stems from a place of love? Everything we do stems from love – we were designed to love God, so we were designed to love. In the beginning of time God created Adam and Eve, the first humans that were without sin and thus there was a pure love between them and God. But they were deceived by the snake in the garden and chose to turn to something else to satisfy their desires, to find their identity in, and to become gods themselves. You can read this encounter and the fall of man here, Gensis 2:4-3:24. Since then, all humans are born with a sinful nature and our love misses the mark. Our love is now focused on self, not God. If we have love at the heart of who we are why do we not love like God then? Our loved is tainted with sin so we cannot love God how we were designed to because we have a sinful nature. Love is the foundation for which God calls us to live, it is The Greatest Commandment – to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mark 12:28-34. If you read through the Romans verses above and have placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, or maybe you read those verses and you are still trying figure this God thing out and are still seeking to understand His love better as an on looker, let's answer another crucial question- What is Love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Now I realize many who read this will say, "I don't need God to love, I can love like this." But if we are honest, all of us fall short of loving fully like this- we all keep records of wrong, we have all been rude and boastful and we all can be irritable. But God is perfect in all of these- He is never irritable thankfully! He does not rejoice in injustice and always rejoices when truth wins out! God's love never gives up on us and endures for all time! Isn't that amazing to know that there IS SOMEONE in your life loving you and pursuing to have a relationship with you? If you have not yet surrendered your life into His hands - let today be that day! Start experiencing His great Love for you! Once we begin that love relationship with God, He then calls us to love others. We all desire to receive love and to share love with others. We all desire to experience what love has to offer and we all desire to have deep intimacy in our relationships – why - because this is who God is and this is how He created us. “If love for God is the ultimate command – than failure to love God is the greatest of evils” Paul Tripp says. What do you think about this quote? So how do we love others better? We look to Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to grow His love in us deeper and deeper. Our lives we were meant to be lived out in a beautiful love relationship with God – we must ground ourselves in God's word and ask the Lord to fill us with the His love, the fruit of His love, and to give us a new heart so we can love Him, and love others more and more like Him. Here are some verses that can help you on your journey in learning more about what God's word says about His love and allowing the Holy Spirit to plant seeds in your heart to begin growing a deeper love in you. John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." 1 Peter 4:8 "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." 1 Corinthians 16:14 – “Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:7 – “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” Ephesians 4:2 – “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” John 14:15 - “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23 The Fruit of the Spirit is the distinctive attribute of the Holy Spirit given by God to a new follower of Christ that dwell within the heart and soul of that Christian. You might have noticed that Paul used the term “fruit” as opposed to “fruits” when referring to the nine attributes of the Holy Spirit. Paul then goes on to make a list of the fruit. So, why does Paul refer to the fruit in singular form when there are more than just one attributes/fruits listed? There are varying theories on this, but the most reasonable one that I would agree with is that these "plural fruit," come from a single source, the Holy Spirit, and we are given the Holy Spirit when we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, thus we receive Him and who He is. It's important to understand that even though we receive Him and His fruit, this does not mean that we will be perfect in living His attributes out in our own lives. Some may find being patient easier than others and some may find being kind easier than others, again, we posses the nine attributes of the Holy Spirit, but like with anything, as we grow in our relationship with the Lord and as we die to our human nature, we will grow in Him and His fruit will also grow within us. Let's take a brief look at the previous verse in Galatians 5 right before the Fruit of the Spirit is listed. "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:16-20 It is important to understand that “growing fruit” to maturity is not passive but an active process. So the question now is, “How do we grow the Fruit of the Spirit?” The bible tells us that we must abide in Jesus. What does "Abide in Christ" mean? The word “abide” means to, remain, lodge, dwell, continue, and endure. So when Jesus tells us to, “Abide in Him,” He is telling us to remain – continue – and endure in Him. When a person is saved, he or she is described as being “in Christ” Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17, meaning we are kept secure in this permanent relationship with Jesus. John 10:28–29. Abiding in Christ is the position for all true believers. Jesus tells His disciples in John 15:4–7, that experiencing true life and growing relationally and spiritually in their lives will only come from spending time with Him and Jesus being the great object lesson teacher that He is, gives the picture of branches bonded to a vine: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Our journey in Christ as we spend time in His word, in prayer, and spending time with other believes will help us remain Him and grow the Fruit of the Spirit. Growth will come when we cooperate with the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit helps us in many ways in our lives, but the most crucial one is to help us become more like Jesus 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. These attributes of the Spirit are listed in other places of the Bible as well as commands from God that we believers must “DO.” For example, 1. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39). 2. "Rejoice always” or be joyful (1 Thessalonians 5:16). 3. "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22), 4. "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2), 5. "Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11), 6. "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10), 7. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13), 8. "Always to be gentle toward everyone." (Titus 3:2), 9. "Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[a] and virtue with knowledge,6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (2 Peter 1:5-7). And we find ourselves right back to where we began, with "brotherly affection with love." The Fruit of the Spirit in a nutshell is the out pouring God's love into a newly saved Christian, as the Spirit helps to grow His Fruit in that person, so that they can become more like Jesus, to help others come to know the great - great love of God.

Is happiness a choice? Is it a responses to one's situation? Many struggle with this looming question when going through very trying times. "Is happiness a choice and if am unhappy - have I failed to make the choice to be happy?" Defining "Happiness" might help us some. According to Merriam-Webster, "Happiness" is Defined as: 1a: a state of well-being and contentment : JOY b: a pleasurable or satisfying experience "I wish you every happiness in life." According to an article I recently read in Psychology Today on this very topic. Some "prominent voices on the subject of happiness Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage says this, "What I want people to realize is happiness can be a choice, and it’s something you can practice. But if you’re feeling unhappy, that’s not failure. What we want to steer people away from is apathy, which is that loss of movement. So, we want to focus on getting people back towards movement..." Michelle Gielan, author of Broadcasting Happiness goes on to say, "It’s about being conscious about how we devote our mental resources and training our brain to do it." Is happiness that simple? Can happiness truly be found by consciously devoting our mental resources and training our brain by practicing? This might be a good place to start, but "Happiness" goes much deeper then just mental determination - and in the midst of our struggles and pain - having to put more effort and mental determination into willing ourselves into a "happy" state is just not that simple. In the book of Matthew 5 Jesus suggests a much more unconventional way to find happiness. Let's look at His famous Sermon on the Mount on the very topic of "How to find Happiness" "1 Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them. 3 “Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 4 “Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them! 5 “Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised! 6 “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! 7 “Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! 8 “Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! 9 “Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children! 10 “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 11 “Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.?" **Disclaimer** I am in NO WAY encouraging anyone to stay in a relationship or situation that is emotionally, mentally, physically or spiritually abusive and dangerous. I have spent enough time with women and students to know that many stay with abusers because they believe they can "save" their abuser, or keep their abuser happy, or that in some way it is the "Christian" thing to do, to stay and "honor" an abusive parent or spouse/partner. IT IS NOT - get out and get help. Find a church, a domestic violence advocate, police, trusted friend - or Anyone - that will help you get out and get safe. Now, what I am writing about today is: Can we experience happiness when we are in the midst of difficult days and if so, how can we find and experience happiness? In the next several blog posts we will look at each "Happy are those..." statements to hopefully discover why God would suggests we follow this way of living. But for today - know this - in the first verse of this passage, it tells us a very important truth that anyone who is hurting needs to hear and know - "Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down." Jesus sees you Jesus comes to you and helps you where you are at Jesus sits with you and will not leave you. 1. Jesus sees you - God's word tells us that His eye is always on us. For some that may be intimidating - God sees everything I do? Yes- it should be a bit intimidating - yet at the same time it should comfort you- to know that you are never lost from His sight. For others, knowing that God sees them in their suffering and doesn't stop it can can also bring about other feelings - like anger or confusion. I will discuss this more in another post - but for today- try to let yourself be encouraged that God sees your suffering and is working in the midst of it and does care about your pain and if you can have just a little bit of faith in Him - it can move mountains (Matthew 17:20) "The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. Psalm 34:15 “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 2. Jesus comes to you and helps you - God's word not only tell us that He sees us (in our good times and hard times), but that He is always with you and actively drawing you nearer to Him and actively at work to care for you and help you. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God." Romans 8:26–27 3. Jesus sit with you and will not leave you - God tells us throughout His word that "He will never leave you forsake you" Deuteronomy 31:6- and that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46 and that we can "Be strong and courageous and not be frightened, or dismayed, because God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Trusting in these promises that God will never leave those who are His, can and should help comfort us when we are in a fog and we "feel" alone, hurt and left wondering if we will feel happy again. Talking to God about what is causing you sadness or pain can help, reading through the Psalms can help, talking with and surrounding yourself with trusted caring friends can help you as well. Knowing that in your pain you can be find moments to smile and laugh - and have moments of happiness -can help you get through dark days - one moment at a time.

"A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise." Buddha When studying Buddhism over the years, I have found it to be one of deep philosophical thought. Buddha - like many other great thinkers and religions understand that a human's mind is composed of : emotions, intellect and will, but in Buddhism - the mind is the key to ones eternity - not an external god. The essence Buddhism is to reach the state of Nirvana or Enlightenment where one's mind is free and pure and to live a virtuous life ridding oneself of bad deeds. Thus the mind is crucial to a Buddhist because if one cannot control one's emotions, intellect, and will, one's life will not function harmoniously in life and one will never discover their true self. Buddha's teachings are spiritual disciplines and practical methods that help a Buddhist learn the discipline of being fully responsible for their individual lives so they can better control their thinking and emotions. Which is their ultimate goal - Nirvana - where one can fully attain control so they can remove all suffering and gain happiness. In Buddhism, nothing is permanent and all actions have consequences. They aim to live a life free from external conditions determining one's emotions, actions, and thoughts. Buddha had Four Noble Truths one lives by: First Noble Truth: True Problems Although there are many joys to be had in life, every being – from the tiniest insect, to a homeless person, to a billionaire – faces problems. In between birth and death, we age and get sick, and our loved ones die. We face frustration and disappointment, not getting what we want, or encountering what we don’t want. *To live is to suffer (Dukha or anything that is "unpleasant, difficult, or painful) Second Noble Truth: True Cause of Problems Our problems arise from complex causes and conditions, but Buddha said that the ultimate cause is our own ignorance of reality: the way our minds project impossible ways of existence on to ourselves and everyone and everything else. *Suffering is caused by desire (Tanha, or “attachment”) Third Noble Truth: True Stopping of Problems Buddha saw that it was possible to get rid of all our problems so that we never have to experience them again, by destroying their cause: our own ignorance. *One can eliminate suffering by eliminating all attachments Fourth Noble Truth: The True Path of Mind Problems stop when we eliminate ignorance, by understanding reality correctly. We do this by realizing that everyone is interconnected and interdependent. On this basis we develop love and compassion for all beings equally. Once we’ve eliminated our confusion about how we and others exist, we’re able to act beneficially for ourselves and others. *This can be achieved by following the noble eightfold path which consists of having a right 1) view, 2) intention, 3) speech, 4) action, 5) livelihood (being a monk), 6) effort (properly direct energies), 7) mindfulness (meditation), and 8) concentration (focus). Buddhism is one of the leading world religions and was founded by Siddhartha Guatama, who was born into royalty in Nepal around 600 B.C. Much of his life are legendary, but he is still considered an actual historical figure. Guatama was a deep thinker and had little exposure to the outside world as his parents wanted to protect him from pain and worldly suffering. Guatama had four visions, or what is know as: The Four Signs: An aged man A sick man A dead man A religious ascetic His fourth vision was of a peaceful monk. He saw that the monk was at total peace, so he decided to become one as well; one who sets himself apart from worldly living and desires, and abandoned his life of wealth and affluence to pursue enlightenment -through his own means and became known as the Buddha (“awakened” or “enlightened” one). - Buddhism and Hinduism are very similar in that they both involve reincarnation, karma, Maya (unreality, distinct from the reality represented by God or Brahman; the world is an illusion, a play of the supreme consciousn. -In Buddhism, sin is more understood as ones own ignorance. So sin is seen as more of a “moral error.” Buddhist - like Hinduism, practice Karma, which is nature’s balance. Like Hinduism, Buddhist adhere to good work "ethical living" and focus on meditating and turning to spiritual beings with the intent of "hopefully" achieving enlightenment and ultimate Nirvana. -Buddhism has a complicated theology of deities and spiritual beings much like Hinduism. Buddhism can be hard to define its view of god. Some sects of Buddhism would be called atheistic, while others could be called pantheistic. -"The" Buddha never exclaimed or defined himself to be a god; instead he considered himself to be a ‘way-shower' for others. It was only after his death that some of his followers exalted him to a god status by, though not all of his followers view him this way. -They are taught that people do not have individual souls, since self is an illusion. As we look back over some basic tenets of the Buddhist world view, sadly they are taught that tanha, "desire" or "attachment," is the root of suffering and is to be removed. But are there not many good things that come from desire? Friendship, family, romance, care or compassion are all grounded in love. Love is the desire to care for and do good of another (John 15:13; 1 John 4:7-12). Could we truly love if we had detached desires or could we truly care for another's well-being. Jesus taught us that desire is good when it is lived out in a way that honors His Father. Paul urges Christians to "desire the greater gifts" of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1). David writes in the Psalms, of his worship and adoration of God and the longing to have fellowship with God (Psalm 42:1-2; 84). Above all - God is love - God desires a relationship with us - His creation - (1 John 4:9; Psalm 136; John 3:16). Sacrificing desire throws out the gift of God's love and a living relationship and we miss out on true intimacy in general - all for the sole purpose of avoiding suffering.

Don't you hate it when a piece of your puzzle is missing? You spend hours searching, sorting, grouping, and slowly piece by piece your puzzle begins to come to life and you begin to see what it was intended to look like all along - and when you finally reach the end - you look for that last piece and nothing - Where is that last piece?! Did it fall on the floor? Did your dog eat it? Is your child or spouse hiding it on you so they can claim the victory in finishing the puzzle! It's just not complete until you have last piece! Why? Because that's not how it's supposed to go - you must find that piece - to have peace. I last spoke about how crucial it is for our healing process to acknowledge the reality of sin in this world and how it affects everyone - When sin entered the world, death came with it (Rom. 5:12). There was an immediate Spiritual death that happened in the garden that day to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) Which brought about Physical death. Which brought about Emotional death and Mental death. Just like the creator of that puzzle - God envisioned how He wanted to create you. How you would look, how you would smile, how your laugh would sound, the color of your eyes and hair - whether curly or straight - blonde or brown - every amazing piece that makes you - you. You are a Masterpiece - Created in God's image. (Genesis 1:27) Yet because sin entered the world - we don't always feel that amazing - we don't feel special - we don't feel like we have great value and worth to anyone, let alone God - and in the process we grow old, we get sick, and then we die. The consequence of sin is death at every level. Remember dear one - If we can begin to accept that sin exists and is at the root of our pain - and is the cause of all suffering - whether by our own sinful choices or by another's sinful behavior and treatment towards us - that is a healthy first step. We were designed by God in His own image (Genesis 1:27) We are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 8:4–6) and We were designed to have a loving, safe, fulfilling relationship with our Abba Father, Creator God. So how is Jesus the missing piece of our puzzle? Jesus came for many reasons - but I want to focus on only a few for today. 1. Jesus came to bring us life - In (John 10:10), Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” What did sin bring with it? Death right? Remember the puzzle we are trying to finish off - finding that missing piece? Sin is a thief and destroyer of your puzzle - The thief of our "piece" and "peace" is the enemy of God - Satan, and the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death on the cross (Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:11-15.) He came to give of Himself. He came to bring us back to life so that we can live fully alive in Him starting today and life eternal with Him and His Father - filled with meaning, purpose, joy, and freedom. 2. Jesus came to set the captive free - (Luke 4: 16-21) tells us that "Jesus came to Nazareth where He had grown up" and that "He went into the Jewish place of worship on the Day of Rest." While He was there "He stood up to read," so "Someone handed Him the book of the early preacher Isaiah-" and "He opened it and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me *To preach the Good News to poor people. *He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. *He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. *He has sent Me to make the blind to see and *To free those who are held because of trouble. *He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Then "Jesus closed the book. Then He gave it back to the leader and sat down. All those in the Jewish place of worship kept their eyes on Him. Then He began to say to them, “The Holy Writings you have just heard have been completed today.” 3. Jesus came to destroy Satan’s power - (Hebrews 2:14) tells us that "It is true that we share the same Father with Jesus. And it is true that we share the same kind of flesh and blood because Jesus became a man like us. He died as we must die. Through His death He destroyed the power of the devil who has the power of death." Read that last statement again - Jesus is our Savior! Jesus has won the victory for our freedom on our behalf! Jesus is the hero in all of our stories - we just need to put our trust in Him and acknowledge that we too are sinners in need of His saving grace - and the process of our freedom and healing and victory in the areas that hold us in bondage - will begin to unfold. 4. Jesus came to take away sin - There is no one here on earth that can remove the sting and stain of sin - only Jesus and that is why He is the missing piece to your puzzle - who will bring you wholeness and peace. "Jesus came to take away our sins," because, "there is no sin in him." (1 John 3:5) 5. Jesus came to help us know what and who is true - The more we open ourselves to the possibility and reality of God's love for us and His goodness and His truth - the sooner we will begin to experience hope that we can face our trials, over come our fears and pain, and begin a new life free from our past and baggage. (1 John 5:20) tells us that, "We know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life." As we close for today, I want to share with you briefly of a man named Job - you can read more about him in the Bible - he has his own book. Job's story is one of great loss and intense pain - a story of a man who wrestled with trusting God after all he lost and the grief and pain he had to face and endure. He had some good friends and some not so good friends who tried to give him advice in the midst of his suffering - Here was the advice of one of his friends that I will leave you with today - though the pain you may be experiencing is not because of your own sin - after what we learned today - confessing your need for God's saving grace will still set you free. Job 11:13-19 “If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help."

I titled this Forum "In this together" because life is like a puzzle and we all have missing pieces that need help being put back together. None of us will go unscathed in this life. Everyone will face some level of pain and suffering, addiction or unhealthy habit. So - we are all in this together - and Jesus joined us on earth by leaving heaven, to walk in our shoes, to face painful trials, to feel and experience our pain, so He can relate with us in our times of suffering and pain, and to teach and show us how to love and care for others in and through their pain. And - ultimately to point us to the missing puzzle piece in our lives that can and will put all our puzzle pieces back together and truly complete us - His Father - Abba God. Jesus tells us in His word, "Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17 Jesus was and is the model we are to look to for every area of our lives. He was and is the perfect Son of God who loved and obeyed His Father all the way to the cross for our benefit. He paved and paid the way for us to find hope and freedom, healing and joy in His Father. Yes- we all have unhealthy ways of dealing and coping with life - but you might be surprised how Jesus may help you in your journey to healing and freedom. Let's start at the core of our suffering, pain and addictions. At the core of all of our suffering is sin. What is sin? 1. Sin is defined in the Bible as an act that goes against the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). 2. Sin began with Lucifer, who was the most beautiful and powerful of all the angels. He was very discontent with his position and desired to be higher than God - thus the beginning of sin (Isaiah 14:12-15). Lucifer - later renamed Satan, brought sin to the human race in the Garden of Eden, where he tempted Adam and Eve with the same enticement, “you shall be like God.” Genesis 3 And in Genesis we read of Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God. 3. All humans have inherited sin from Adam and Eve since they were the first humans to exist and rebelled, God. In Romans 5:12 we are told that through Adam sin entered the world, and so death was passed on to us all and the punishment for sin is “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). 4. Through Adam, we are all inclined to sin and our inner nature was transformed. So, we are sinners not because we sin; rather, we sin because we are sinners. In a way you can look at it like this: We inherit physical characteristics from our parents, just as we have inherited our sinful natures from Adam. Psalm 51:5: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” 5. Sin is "any thought, action, or attitude that falls short of God’s holiness" (Romans 3:23). Here are some examples of sin: Murder, adultery, and theft (Exodus 20:1–17). Even the desire to commit these are sins (Matthew 5:21, 28). Yet you may say - I have never done any if these - yet Romans 3 tells us we have all fallen short of God- that means jealousy, lying, hateful thoughts and feelings are just as sinful. If we can begin to accept that sin exists and is at the root of our pain - whether by our own sinful choices or by another's sinful behavior and treatment to us - that is a healthy first step. Dear one, we were not created to be sinful. We were designed by God in His own image (Genesis 1:27). We are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 8:4–6). We were designed to have a loving, safe, fulfilling relationship with our Abba Father, Creator God. Let's begin this journey towards walking in freedom and healing by being open to the Lord to move in our hearts, guide our thoughts, and allowing Him to help us move towards trusting Him and His perfect will for our lives.

Understanding the human experience through the eyes of God and His word has always been a passion of mine - even since I was a young girl. I would always ask really challenging questions to my pastors and even debate them if what I was told things that didn't sit right - not because I disrespected them - it's just that I have always had a passion to pursue truth and learn and understand people, life, and the world better through God's eyes. Maybe you have noticed that as we have been going through the world religions so far that there are some similarities between the Christian faith and other religions. Islam and Christianity both believe in an eternal Creator God and a judgment to come after death. Judaism and Christianity both worship the same God - yet Judaism rejects Jesus as God's Son and Savior to all mankind. Both Jesus and Confucius (we have not yet covered Confucius - but are getting there) taught a version of the Golden Rule, and both Christianity and Confucianism teach respect for one’s parents. Many today will say since they are all so similar– that must mean we all have the same god – but as we have been reading and learning - that’s not the case – What is true is that all humans have been created by the one true God in his image (Gen. 1:26–27; 5:1–2) and that God has revealed himself in a general manner to all peoples through His Creation (Ps. 19:1–4; Acts 14:15–17; 17:22–31; Rom. 1:18–32; 2:14–15). As we continue to take a look at more religions you will find that the differences between Christian faith and other religions are greater and more significant than any of their similarities. It can be somewhat difficult to break down the religion of Hinduism since Hinduism contain beliefs and teachings of almost every theological religious system. There is no founder of Hinduism and it is one of the oldest religions and as I just said - very complex and very broad. Hindus all believe in one Supreme God who is known as Brahman, who created the universe. He is considered to be omnipresent (in all things and is everywhere). This supreme god created many others gods - 330 million gods - and spiritual beings to be his helpers. Because Hindus have so many gods they are very tolerant and open to other religions, believing that each has its own pathway to the "One God." Since Hindus believe that god is omnipresent - that means God is not far away, but is instead living inside each and every soul, in the heart and consciousness, waiting to be discovered. Hinduism is both monotheistic (belief that there is only one god) and henotheistic (the worship of a single, supreme god while not denying the existence of other gods.) They are not polytheistic (belief in multiple deities,) in the sense that there are many equal Gods. From this, we can gather that they worship one God - without denying the existence of other lesser gods. The Hindu soul is believed to be immortal and is rebirthed time and time again which is known as "reincarnation." Through this process, they grow through life learned experiences and evolve spiritually until they "graduate" so to speak. Once they have evolved to the level where all life lessons have been learned, they attain what is know as "enlightenment and moksha, liberation." Meaning the person has been freed from the physical body's cycle of life and death and rebirth and now the "person/being" will still exist, but will no longer be pulled back to be born because they have finally found one's true self. Hindus also believe in Karma - which is a cause and effect life cycle. Their actions, both good and bad, come back to them in the future, helping them to learn from these life’s lessons to become better people. They believe it is a divine system of justice that is controlled by oneself and perfectly fair. Meaning when something happens to a Hindu that is bad, sad or hurtful or simply unjust, it is not their god punishing them, it is simply the result of their own past actions that automatically creates the appropriate future experience in response to the current action. The Veda, which means “wisdom" is their “Bible," which they believe to be the revealed word of God. The Veda has four Hindu sacred texts which contain hymns, incantations, philosophies, rituals, poems, and religious mythology stories which interweave myths, theology, and history to achieve a story-form religion deeply rooted to their culture. Some other basic teachings of Hinduism are: -Brahma - Is the impersonal and unknowable god who exists in three separate forms: Brahma—Creator; Vishnu—Preserver; and Shiva—Destroyer. -Hinduism views mankind as divine and because Brahma is everything, Hinduism asserts that everyone is divine. -Atman, is one's true self, who becomes one with Brahma. The atman is eternal and is itself the core essence of each individual, the personality. The atman provides humans with their consciousness and gives them divine qualities. According to Hinduism, “The Supreme God is situated in everyone’s heart . . . and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy” (Bhagavad Gita, 18.61). -The spiritual goal of a Hindu is to become one with Brahma, thus being released from it's "unreal self" to find their version of “individual self.” This freedom is referred to as “moksha.” Until moksha is achieved, they will go through a lifetime of reincarnations in order that he/she may work towards self-realization of the truth. To a Hindu, sin is a serious matter as they believe in reincarnation of the soul so that the debt of sin can be paid back. In the Puranas (Hindu religious books) states that a Hindu person can be re-born millions of times to pay back the negative karmas of one life and even then there is no guarantee that in the next birth there is no sin at all. So, to a Hindu, moksha (salvation) is almost unattainable, even though one works very hard for it. - Yoga – is a discipline which enables individuals to connect with the god within to control the body and emotions to help reach nirvana. “Om” pronounced “Aum,” is similar to “Amen.” This is an approach that will initiate to the path of wholeness and higher states of consciousness. - Nirvana – is the final stage of one's life cycle attained only when they are broken free from the chains of their rebirths. - There is no sense of self or one’s own identity – Hindu's believe all are one. - Hindus live within a Caste System - which are social classes based on heredity. The caste system was developed by dividing up society into a hierarchy according to professions and trades. Individuals are basically assigned to a caste at birth based on the caste of their parents. This life style is handed down from generation to generation and marriages occur within castes. One can identify ones caste by their skin color, manner of dress, surname, occupation and village or neighborhood. The caste system is technically illegal but widely practiced. The main difference I would like to close with is that in Christianity God has made it very clear that He cares about what happens to each of us and is personally involved in our lives and loves us with a perfect flawless Father’s Love. God showed us His love by sending His Son Jesus to live with and amongst us and to die on the cross on our behalf so that He could be the bridge for us to have a relationship with His Father. Christianity is based on humans being created in the image of their Creator God – with great worth and value and purpose, whereas in Hinduism there is not individual worth or purpose as all are one in pursuit of emptying themselves to become Brahman. Finally - salvation to a Hindu person is attained in one of 3 ways: knowing one is a part of the ultimate Brahman and not a separate entity, (all are fully one) devotion, love and obedience to a particular deity, works & ceremonial rituals – with the continual cycle of rebirths until you get it right. Christianity salvation is a gift of grace offered from a Holy and perfect God to humans who cannot ever attain perfection on their own but through the power of God’s gift of His Son who came to die and pay for our sin so that we can have a right and united relationship with our Creator Father God

So, what is Islam? Is it like Christianity? Do they have the same God? What are some similarities and what, more importantly, are their differences. I have had a few Muslims friends over the years, and we have had conversations about how we are similar and how we differ. I have learned why many feel that Christianity and Islam are similar. My hope for you as you read through this post is to learn some things that I have learned in my journey to know, understand and love the One true God better on my journey to seek and discern truth as God's word lays it out for us all. In my conversations I have heard some say, "Well what really matters is that we serve the same god." But do we? Yes, Islam has some similarities to Christianity but the differences between the two are what we really need to take note of and analyze - and to understand the weight of those differences in ones eternal destiny. Like Christianity, Islam is monotheistic. However, Muslims reject the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So, if we follow the same god- then we must believe in the Trinity since God's word tells us He is three in one. This point of difference is crucial and will have drastic differences from here on out in this post. Another crucial point of difference is that Muslims believe that Jesus was one of the most important prophets - (Isa - the Islamic word for "Jesus") just not the Son of God. Muslims believe that Jesus was created like Adam - even though the Bible has a very clear account of the life of Jesus - that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. Muslims also do not believe that Jesus died on the cross. They do not believe that Allah would allow Jesus to die a torturous death. Yet once again, the Bible clearly tells us of how this was God's plan from the beginning of time and that Jesus’ the death was necessary to make a way for salvation for all - the perfect Son of God had to pay for the sins of the world (Isaiah 53:5-6; John 3:16; 14:6; 1 Peter 2:24) So even though Islam and Christianity may sound like they are similar - the differences are clear enough for anyone to see that Christians do not worship the same god as Muslims do - even though they both have core beliefs, rules, and standards - only Islam's regulations must be mastered in order to achieve a desired end in eternity with Allah - whereas in Christianity - God came down in human flesh to take our place knowing we could never meet the standards necessary to spend eternity with God. The follow are The Five Pillars of the Qur’an that Muslims strive to keep to reach their eternal destiny: 1. The testimony of faith: “There is no god but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” 2. Prayer: Five ritual prayers must be performed every day. 3. Giving: This almsgiving is a certain percentage given once a year. 4. Fasting: Muslims fast during Ramadan in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. They must not eat or drink from dawn until sunset. 5. Pilgrimage: If physically and financially possible, a Muslim must make the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once. This is performed in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Thankfully God's word tells us "That it is "by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 And that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

When one first looks at Christianity it seems to convey that it is a religious system much like Islam and Judaism are religious systems. They all have religious structures, foundational beliefs, rules, leaders, written text, and standards that must be mastered in order to achieve some ultimate "happy ending" and ways to avoid a "bad ending." Yet Christianity does not fit that definition - it stands out like no other. Why? You may ask - Let us begin with some basics- before we get into the meat of Christianity - (which you will find even this first part quite meaty to chew on) Christianity is monotheistic, meaning there is only one God. Yet - in Christianity God exists in three persons. The “Trinity” (this word is not found in the bible. It is a term that is used to help describe the triune God) —three coexisting, co-eternal Persons who are one God existing in 3 Persons. God the Father -John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2. God the Son - John1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20. God the Holy Spirit - Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16 Firstly, Jesus did not come into the world to start another religion. He did not receive some divine vision, He did not happen upon some sacred tablets, He did not have some unpleasant upbringing where He sought the spirit world for power to rule over those who oppressed Him and His family and community. Jesus came to be a witness to the truth (John 18:37), to seek and to save the lost—those separated from God by their sin (Luke 19:10)—and to “give his life as a payment for all” (Mark 10:32). Jesus is the very Son of God- born of the virgin Mary - (Matthew 1:18-2:23) You see, there were already plenty of religions (Acts 17:22–23), including Judaism - the very religion that foretold of the coming Messiah - who is in fact Jesus Christ - the Son of God and Savior of the world found in Christianity. Judaism had begun as a relationship with God but over time turned into just another religious system (Matthew 15:8). What makes Christianity stand out amongst the others is that it was not a religion started by a mere human. It is the only "religion" where God came to man and not man reaching or searching to find God. It is not a religion in the sense that we have to attain some level of goodness to make a god or gods appeased - there will never be enough good that we can do on our own to attain the level of the Most High God - who is holy. Why is this so important to know and understand? "God’s holiness is what separates Him from all other beings, what makes Him separate and distinct from everything else. God’s holiness is more than just His perfection or sinless purity; it is the essence of His “otherness,” His transcendence. God’s holiness embodies the mystery of His awesomeness and causes us to gaze in wonder at Him as we begin to comprehend just a little of His majesty." The purpose of Christianity is the opposite of all others - Christians are not to focus on their abilities or their efforts in reaching some level unknown - transcendent - unspecified goodness. No - Christianity is the realization we cannot hit the mark of perfection on our own efforts -but that we can rest in the One who can and did - Jesus Christ. Christians are those who are forgiven of their sins and who have entered a personal relationship with Almighty God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–10). The very thing that makes us "accepted" by God is to surrender our human, striving, works oriented, self focused, lives to a good and loving - holy God - who sent His Holy Son - Jesus Christ - to die on a cross on our behalf as payment for our sin so that we might have eternal life in heaven. Let's break it down even more simply: • Jesus is the Son of God and is equal with God (John 1:1, 49; Luke 22:70; Mark 3:11; Philippians 2:5–11) (the promised Messiah) • Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; John 8:29) • Jesus was crucified to pay the penalty for our sins (Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 15:2–4) • Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:46; Mark 16:6) • We are saved by the grace of God; that is, we cannot add to or take away from Christ’s finished work on the cross as full payment for our sin (Ephesians 2:8–9) One of the more difficult aspects of Christianity is when Jesus made this claim - “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) At first glance this may seem very arrogant and narrow minded. For many it becomes a stumbling block to faith. Many believe that Jesus was very arrogant in saying this - yet He said it out of great compassion, not arrogance. Christians believe that when you look closer at this statement - it makes ultimate sense. Christians would most likely agree that this statement is one of the most critically important bits of information ever given to you personally. So why is this claim so controversial? Because it hits a "all roads lead to the same god nerve." Many believe that if you strip all religions down to their basic beliefs, all religions are fundamentally the same thing — so it doesn’t really matter which one you follow. In other words, all spiritual paths lead up the same mountain because all religions basically teach the same thing. But do they? Jesus said that in order to inherit eternal life one must be “born again” (John 3:3). To be born again is a work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of one who repents of their sin. (2 Corinthians 5:17). God came to us to draw our hearts back to Himself through conviction of sin and hope and confidence of forgiveness (John 6:44). When we surrender to God and repent of our sin (Acts 2:38), God takes the blood of His own Son and cancels the debt we owe Him (Colossians 2:14). Thus God pronounces us “not guilty”; meaning He justifies us (Romans 4:5). Christianity calls this - Salvation - which is the divine exchange: Jesus becomes our sin so that we can become His perfection (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the gospel of Christianity. So, if the path to God (in Christianity) is through Jesus, then Christianity cannot be joined with any other religion. This uniqueness of Christianity is rooted in the uniqueness of Jesus Himself. It has been said that other religious leaders say, “Follow me and I’ll show you how to find truth,” but Jesus says, “I am the truth.” Look at how other religious leaders speak. "They would say, “Follow me and I’ll show you the way to salvation,” but Jesus says, “I am the way to eternal life.” They would say, “Follow me and I’ll show you how to become enlightened,” but Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” They would say, “Follow me and I’ll show you many doors that lead to God,” but Jesus says, “I am the door.” Then, He simply invites us - “So follow Me.”" Do you see the difference? Jesus is the one person who can speak with real authority and experience concerning the afterlife since He came from there: “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man” (John 3:13-3:17) “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:1–3).

Maybe you are like many today; someone who is trying to make some sense of the world and are searching for God or searching for some spiritual clarity. I understand that that this journey can be difficult and even confusing for a variety of reasons. I'm sure you have heard it said, "All roads lead to the same God." But is this true? Is it possible for this to be true? For the next few posts, I would like to invite you to walk through some world religions with me (at a glance, because to delve into all that goes into each of them would be far too great for this blog.) Let's begin with Judaism since it is the beginning point for other religions like Christianity and Islam. Through historic writings, it was written that God spoke to Abraham (Genesis 12) and commanded him to recognize the singularity and omnipotence of God. Abraham accepted, becoming the father of many nations. Abraham was not just the first prophet of Judaism, but also of the Christian and Islamic faiths. Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic world religions and one of the first ethnoreligious groups that followed God's command to turn away from idolatry or paganism and worship God alone - a single deity. The Jewish faith is based upon a covenant between Abraham and God (Genesis 17) to renounce worshipping other gods and worship God alone. God promised to make Abraham’s offspring a “Chosen People.” This Chosen People would become the Children of Israel, and eventually, the Jewish faith. Exodus 19:5 says that God selected Israel to receive and study the Torah, (Jewish scripture), to rest on the Sabbath, and to celebrate the festivals. Jews were not chosen to be better than others; they were simply selected to be a light to the Gentiles and to be a blessing to all the nations. In the Torah—the first five books of the Bible—Genesis 14:13 teaches that Abram, was recognized as the first Jew. The name “Jew” comes from the name of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob and one of the twelve tribes of Israel. A Jew is one who has a Jewish mother or one who has formally converted to Judaism. In Judaism there are “Thirteen Principles of Faith” 1. Belief in the existence of the Creator, who is perfect in every manner of existence and is the Primary Cause of all that exists. 2. The belief in G‑d's absolute and unparalleled unity. 3. The belief in G‑d's non-corporeality, nor that He will be affected by any physical occurrences, such as movement, or rest, or dwelling. 4. The belief in G‑d's eternity. 5. The imperative to worship G‑d exclusively and no foreign false gods. 6. The belief that G‑d communicates with man through prophecy. 7. The belief in the primacy of the prophecy of Moses our teacher. 8. The belief in the divine origin of the Torah. 9. The belief in the immutability of the Torah. 10. The belief in G‑d's omniscience and providence. 11. The belief in divine reward and retribution. 12. The belief in the arrival of the Messiah and the messianic era. 13. The belief in the resurrection of the dead. *Note you might have noticed that when I typed in God- I left out the "O" in G-d. Why did I do this? Jews believe that writing G‑d’s full name could lead to erasing or disrespecting G‑d’s name. The first five books of the Hebrew Bible were revealed to Moses by God. Christians base much of their faith on the same Hebrew Scriptures as Jews do - yet with some differences : Jews consider works to be main focus of belief and Jews do not believe in original sin (the belief that all people have inherited Adam and Eve’s sin when they disobeyed God’s instructions in the Garden of Eden). Moses is another famous Jewish name many are familiar with. He was known as one of the greatest prophets who ever lived. Moses transcribed the Torah (also known as the Five Books of Moses God gave Moses the Ten Commandments that you can find in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. But interestingly enough, the Jews were so determined to not break any of those God given laws that they added and kept adding laws on top of laws to insure not breaking the original ten that were given. Jews have 613 commandments /rules found in Leviticus and other books that rule all aspects of Jewish life. God also called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt from slavery and bondage. There are books filled with many historic accounts of generations of judges and kings, times of conquest from outside nations, and Jewish migration throughout several nations around the world. According to Jewish sources, Judaism was the first great faith to believe in one God and Jerusalem was their spiritual capital of the ancient world. In closing, my desire in all these posts is to focus on main beliefs, a bit of history and what their beliefs are, who Jesus is to them, and to lean their beliefs about the after life so that we can understand them a bit more clearly - but also understand - ultimately - that they do not all lead to the same God and they do not lead to the same after life. What do Jews believe about the afterlife? There is no definitive answer to the Jewish afterlife. There are three thoughts in my research in regards to this question. 1. The righteous will go with God somewhere- no definitive Heaven 2. The evil will go to a place of Torment & fire temporarily 3. Everyone in between will got to some kind of purgatory Judaism is a beautiful religion- woven together with faithful followers and the power and beauty of the Almighty God and His great love and provision for His chosen people. The ancient texts are an amazing testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness. Judaism shows the Jewish believers desire to live and purify their lives and draw closer to God by fulfilling the Ten Commandments - yet Judaism is sadly missing the key link to their religious belief - they have no Savior; there is no available mediator between man and God. "The Jews believed that the Messiah, the prophet which Moses spoke about, would come and deliver them from Roman bondage and set up a kingdom where they would be the rulers...The people of Jerusalem also thought He would deliver them. They shouted praises to God for the mighty works they had seen Jesus do and called out, “Hosanna, save us,” when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:9). They treated Him like a conquering king. Then, when He allowed Himself to be arrested, tried, and crucified on a cursed cross, the people stopped believing that He was the promised prophet. They rejected their Messiah (Matthew 27:22)." Their belief in regards to Jesus vary considerably. Some view Him as a great moral teacher. Others see Him as a false prophet or as an idol of Christianity. Some sects of Judaism will not even say His name due to the ban against saying an idol’s name. Yet, many Jews are turning to Christ today. The God of Israel has always been faithful to keep a “remnant” of believing Jews to Himself.

What are some questions that a skeptic of Christianity might ask? 1. “How do we know God exists?” 2. “Why does a good God allow evil to exist?” 3. “Is Jesus really the only way?” 4. “Why is Jesus the only way?” 5. “Why should I believe that Jesus is the Son of God?” 6. “If Christianity is so great, why are there so few Christians? 7. “Don’t all religions basically teach all the same stuff?” 8. “Haven’t Christians done some really awful things in the past?” These are all really good questions – we all have these questions to a certain degree – some more than others – And that’s ok! A spiritual journey is a part of life - whether we realize it or not - we are all on one. Trying to understand the spiritual aspect of our human nature does not come naturally, in fact, if you were to read 1 Corinthians 2:14 in the Bible we are told - "People who do not have God’s Spirit do not accept the things that come from his Spirit. They think these things are foolish. They cannot understand them, because they can only be understood with the Spirit’s help..." For many, when we get to something difficult or something that may not fit into our normal way of life in our spiritual journey, we walk away instead of digging and really studying. We stop investigating and asking questions and seeking God. Many convince themselves it is just not worth the time and effort and not that important or that no one would care to help you figure it out, so many stop seeking and caring about their spiritual well being. For those of you who may be new to this sight - my desire is for all to understand that one's physical, mental, emotional well being are all tied in with their spiritual well being. We were created as a one beautifully woven tapestry - and all areas are crucial to take care of. QUESTION : Have you ever been in a situation where you caught someone lying, or heard some gossip of a friend? - Did it bother you? - Did you try to find out if it was true so you could clear up the false gossip? - How did you figure it out the lie or the truth about the gossip? - Or would you even try to figure out if it was true or not? It is important in your spiritual journey to ask questions to those who you trust that may know more than you in that area, do research on books to help you in your spiritual journey (outside of the Bible - though that is the best place to get to know the real God and His story.) The Book, "Cold - Case Christianity" by J. Warner Wallace tells us there are four areas we need to look at when investigating Christianity. https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Case-Christianity-Homicide-Detective- 1. Control your assumptions – Understand that you bring a lot of your own thoughts and beliefs into your spiritual quest for truth, so try not to think you know everything and be willing to listen. 2. Abducting reasoning – Understand the difference between what is possible and what is reasonable. 3. Direct Evidence – Investigating crimes involve talking to eye witnesses (we obviously cannot do this today as Jesus lived a couple thousand years ago - but we can read the testimonies of eye witnesses of His life, His death and His resurrection. 4. Circumstantial Evidence – The nature of cold cases are based old cases, so they have to use as many pieces of evidence they can to build their case. God desires a relationship with His creation. He desires us to truly know Him so He had 40 authors write the Bible over a period of 1,500 years. These Bible writers wrote as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit 2 Timothy 3:16-17 . Luke 1 “Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.” 2 Peter 1:16 “For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes” Acts 17:11 tells us that we need to study and "receive the message with great eagerness" and "examine the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul (and all scripture) is true. Why study? Why should you keep pursuing truth? Because it is written in our soul to find truth, purpose and our Creator- it is the longing of our heart and the place where ultimate peace will be found. So, why might we all struggle to seek for truth about God ? 1. The struggle with absolute truth 2. What or who to believe with so many world views, religions and varying arguments for everyone’s "own truths," in our world today- 3. Past hurts and disappointments with religion and or God 4. Trusting those who say they are experts can be hard when there has been corruption, deception, abuse, and scandals within religions 5. Or maybe because we just don’t see enough Christians actually being Christ followers 1 John 4:20 says it best, "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen." Mark 12:30-31 tells us that to truly live like God calls us to live we need to understand loving Him is where true love will pour out from us so that we can better love others they way He first loved and invited us to have a relationship with Him. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” If you are searching for the truth of Christianity - starting with Jesus is the best place. I would encourage you to not just look at Him as a teacher or the greatest humanitarian that ever lived, but to ask God to show you Himself in His Son Jesus, and how Jesus spoke about His Father God and the Holy Spirit and how they all are One and in a perfect unified relationship - a relationship God is inviting you to be a part of as well. Here is a great video by J. Warner Wallace "Why Every Spiritual Seeker Should Start with Jesus"

Many claim to be Christians - but what does that really mean? In a world of instant access to information all around the world through our phones – there is growing number of individuals questioning whether Christianity is in fact - true - or maybe it is just one of many ways to “Heaven” or some sort of after - life - if there even is an afterlife – maybe we just die and cease to exist? Many would say that Christianity is just a claim about an event and person from long ago - which there is little or no (forensic) evidence for. With all the information out there, how does one really know what to believe? What is truth? 2. Is there absolute truth? 3. Can anyone trust those who say they are experts when there has been corruption, deception, abuse, scandals, varying arguments for everyone’s “Own Truth?” God doesn’t ask us to follow Him blindly – In the Bible we are told in the book of 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “to test everything; hold fast what is good.” And in the book of Acts 17:11, we are told that when we hear and "receive the word with eagerness, we need to always be examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so.” As humans we view life through our own human lens - so when dealing with questions about spiritual issues, we need to try to remove our human lenses slightly and put on spiritual lens and be open to hear and see life from a different set of lenses - (Not that we stop thinking and processing information) - but in order to begin a spiritual journey - we have realize it's not our domain and that we need to seek to find the Creator of that domain - and that Creator is God. So as we begin, I would encourage you to: Ask - Seek - and Knock - because God promises to reveal Himself to a heart that truly seeks Him. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. - Matthew 7:7-8 Questions: 1. How do you define “Faith?” – Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the confidence in what we do not see.” Example- When you go to sit on a chair- is your first thought - Will it hold you? Most likely not, you just sit on it. (Unless it is a very small child's chair, then maybe not.) How do you know that you can sit on that chair? -Past experiences, chairs are made to hold people (to a certain weight), you have seen others sit on chairs and chairs don't often times break, you have been taught how they have been made and what materials they were made with that are sturdy. Most often, we don’t even question it or think about it because it’s just what we have always done - we have faith it will hold us based on the previous reasons. 2. Is putting your Trust in Jesus easy? John 6:47 “He who believes in Me has everlasting life.” People all over the world have heard stories about Jesus. Many have have been taught about Jesus, raised in Christian homes, or have experienced some good things because of Jesus and Christianity, or have seen how Jesus has had a positive and healing impact in other’s lives. Maybe you agree with a lot of what Christianity stands for and defends and fights on the behalf of - or maybe you have never questioned it and just simply believed it to be true because you were just raised in it. But for many, you just don’t know what to believe and don’t know what to even think about it. 3. Is just believing enough? 1 Corinthians 15:1-7 “Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed in vain.” Example - Just because you believe the chair will hold you – doesn’t actually make you true believer in the chair until you put your belief into action and go - and actually sit on the chair that you have placed your “faith and trust in” – then and only then – are you a true believer in the chair and all that comes with that chair. - What does “Believed in Vain” mean? It means that we can believe in something but it is an empty faith – a meaningless faith- like you saying you believe the chair will hold you – but never actually going and sitting on it – therefore you will continue to stand and your feet and body will not find relief from putting your trust in that chair. Empty faith in God will not accomplish anything in your life and will leave you empty as well – tired from never going to Jesus and surrendering in faith that He will take you and receive you and give you rest. “Faith” means more than just believing some facts - It means you are depending, trusting, and relying on Jesus. Putting our faith in something and someone - especially in God - can be for many incredibly difficult and even scary because of past hurt, disappointments, abuse and false teachings that have caused you pain. Here are a few things to leave you with for this post: It is possible for Christians and non-Christians to believe the first 3 of the following statements – 1. Jesus died on the cross and was buried 2. Jesus’s tomb was empty and no none ever produced His body 3. Jesus’s disciples believed that they saw Jesus resurrected from the dead **But - only the 4th one is the game changer** 4. Jesus’s disciple’s lives were transformed due to the resurrection of Jesus – and so was culture following the resurrection Many can believe certain truths about Jesus – but that doesn’t make them true followers Just like with the 4th statement – “Jesus’s disciple’s lives were transformed due to the resurrection of Jesus – and so was culture following the resurrection” Some things to ponder over after Christ rose from the dead: 1. He appeared to more than 500 at the same time, most of whom are still living” I Corinthians 15: 3-6 tells us this. 2. The explosive growth of the Christian movement. Within a few weeks after Jesus was crucified, a movement arose which, by the later admission of its enemies, “upset the world.” What happened to ignite this movement shortly after its leader had been executed? 3. The disciples’ changed lives. After Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, most of the disciples fled in fear. Peter denied three times that he was a follower of Jesus. (The women were braver and stayed to the end.) Yet 10 out of the 11 Disciples (Judas committed suicide) were martyred for their faith. According to traditions, Peter was crucified upside down; Thomas was skewered; John was boiled in oil but survived. What turned these cowards into heroes? Each believed he had seen Jesus alive again. The disciples didn’t just believe in Jesus because they saw cool things with Him, or heard Him preach and felt inspired by feel good messages. So, what made them true believers in Him? I would encourage you to find a bible online or buy one in a store and begin reading about what Jesus's disciples did with Jesus in their own personal lives and how they lived out their lives to the best of their ability with the God’s help – living obediently for Him and putting their trust in Him – even for many throughout all history – to their awful deaths.

What does it mean to fall in love with Jesus? How and where do you start? Like with any relationship, you need to get to know Him. That kind of knowledge takes time and commitment, just like with any close relationship you have. Jesus invites you to “abide” in His love — to rest and stay in His love always knowing you are in His arms and under His protection — in Christ. God doesn’t want you to stand at a distance looking at Him; he wants to draw you in and for you to come to understand He is closer than a whisper. In John 15:9, He said, “‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now REMAIN in my love.’” -Obedience is the best place to start. When we are right with God we are at peace. No healthy relationship can have tension or division. -Talking with Him like you would with any other person you know, love and trust is crucial to getting to know Him and build your relationship. -Reading His word is an absolute must- how else will you grow to know His heart and will and His ways? Jesus wants our affections and our emotions; to be the longing of your heart. For many, following God is a head knowledge, intellectual, and academic experience. They go to church, they may read their Bibles, they say their prayers before meals and before bedtime, and sometimes in between, but that’s as far as it goes. They know who Jesus is, believe He is the Son of God who died for their sins and choose to follow Him and do their best to live good moral lives. But... to fall in love with Jesus; it must move from your head to your heart. Jesus is a real person, not just someone to be studied. Think of a person that you love dearly, that you feel close and safe with, someone you trust with everything, that you can talk about anything with, knowing they will love you, and encourage you, and always be there for you. Do you feel loved by this person? Do you love being with this person? Do you look forward to spending time with this person? Of course you do because it is a two way loving relationship. They love and care for you, and you love to love and care for them. Maybe you’ve heard this saying, “The longest journey is the 18 inches from your head to your heart.” Think about what that is saying: What you think and what you feel are totally different. There can be a disconnect, and it may feel like a long way apart. So, “The gospel is in my head, but it isn’t in my heart.” If you feel that the gospel hasn’t grabbed a hold of your heart or really changed you, you’ll be tempted to keep looking for some kind of emotional experience that will that void. The problem isn’t that the truth needs to make a long journey from the head to the heart. The problem is that the gospel truth your the mind isn’t big enough or real enough to capture your heart, so it makes very little difference to how you actually live your life. So, when you read about Jesus standing by a shamed woman, in John 8, calling out the sin of others as they were wanting to stone her; put yourself in her shoes and Jesus doing that for you. How does that make you feel? If this was the person I asked you to think about earlier, how would you respond to that person? How would it move your heart towards them? What feelings would this well up within you? Remember when Jesus stood at a well in John 4, talking to another woman who had been shunned because of her life choices; picture Him talking to you despite how others may talk based on your life choices. Then stand stand in the crowd and watch, listen, and experience Jesus endure false accusations, being betrayed by His friends, being beaten and then nailed to a cross; all the while knowing it should be you, and that His Father’s face turned away from His precious Son, so you could be free from the punishment of sin- Oh, how that should move your heart to love Him more. (Read more here - https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/crucifixion-of-jesus-bible-story.html) Another way to help you fall in love with Jesus is to look back on your life and to see how He has cared for you by putting people in your life that have loved you, cared for you. This should stir in you to live with a grateful heart for His grace and goodness, and His kindness and new mercies upon you each day. There are so many reasons to love Jesus. As you awake each morning, ask Jesus to open your eyes to see His beauty, and to fill your heart with His love so that your love for Him may abound more and more as you abide in Him, by walking in His ways.