Bear Good Fruit!

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. Audrey Hepburn
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season. Psalm 1:3

Just as a bountiful harvest depends on a source of clean water, the quality of the “fruit” in our life—our words, actions, and attitude—depends on our spiritual nourishment. The psalmist describes this in Psalm 1: The person “whose delight is in the law of the Lord . . . is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season” (vv. 1–3). And Paul writes in Galatians 5 that those who walk in step with the Spirit are marked by “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (vv. 22–23).

Sometimes our perspective on our circumstances turns sour, or our actions and words become persistently unkind. There is no good fruit, and we must realize that we haven’t spent time being quiet before the words of our God. But when the rhythm of our days is rooted in reliance on Him, we bear good fruit. Patience and gentleness characterize our interactions with others; it’s easier to choose gratitude over complaint.

The God who has revealed Himself to us is our source of strength, wisdom, joy, understanding, and peace (Ps. 119:28, 98, 111, 144, 165). As we steep our souls in the words that point us to Him, the work of God’s Spirit will be evident in our lives.

Today my beloved friends I encourage you that a smile has such a fascinating effect on our brain chemistry. Researchers have found that “when we smile it releases brain chemicals called endorphins which have an actual physiological relaxing effect.” Not only can a smile diffuse a tense situation, but it can also diffuse tension within us. Our emotions affect us as well as others. The Bible teaches us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Eph. 4:31–32). Be a Blessing today and everyday- Bear Good Fruit! 😊❤