Growing Deeply

a daily scripture guide

Week of September 26October 1
MONDAY: Galatians 5:22-6:3 Fruit
The fruit of something is its best part. Understanding that has become a
common part of our vocabulary: the fruits of our labors, the first fruits, Fruit of
the Loom.
REFLECTION: Read and concentrate on the list of Gods best gifts to us as
suggested in this passage.
TUESDAY: Galatians 5:22-6:3 Good qualities
Scripture suggests many laws of behavior that should be followed. Paul, in
Galatians, suggests that behaviors that incorporate these fruits of the Spirit are
never an incorrect choice.
REFLECTION: Consider again these fruits of the Spirit. Which ones do you
possess? Which ones need to be nurtured?
WEDNESDAY: Galatians 5:22-6:3 Guidance
Maneuvering through life can be difficult. We all look for road signs to guide our
behavior, our directions, and decision making.
CONSIDER: Consider the ways in which cultivating these fruits can offer
guidance in life.

Sunday Sermon

Together In the Crucible - September25

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-6:3 (NRSV)
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against
such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its
passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.
My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the
Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you
yourselves are not tempted. Bear one anothers burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something,
they deceive themselves.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches
of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.All rights reserved.

My Notes:

THURSDAY: Galatians 5:22-6:3 Working together

Competition seems to be prevalent in all areas of life. However, none of these
fruits of the Spirit seem to support the concept of competition.
REFLECTION: How would cultivating these fruits curb our competitive natures?
How would cultivating these fruits guide us more toward cooperation with
others and the ability to build a nature of nurture and support?
FRIDAY: Galatians 5:22-6:3 Bearing one anothers burdens
Empathy is the ability to truly understand the burdens of another. To have an
empathetic nature, allows us to sympathize rather than criticize.
CONSIDER: Consider how working on a true sense of empathy toward others
could change your behaviors and your decision making.
SATURDAY: Galatians 5:22-6:3 Reality check
We live with a human nature to compare and judge. Unfortunately, sometimes
we need to see others as less than to enable us to see ourselves as more than.
PRAYER: Help me, oh God, to nurture the positive parts of my human nature,
to be guided by your spirit of love and acceptance, and to see the Christ in all
of humanity.
Read or subscribe to the weekly guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.