²² But the fruit that comes from having the Holy Spirit in our lives is: love, joy, peace, not giving up, being kind, being good, having faith, ²³ being gentle, and being the boss over our own desires. The Law is not against these things.         Galatians 5:22-23 (NLV)
 
I have been hearing a word over and over again the past few weeks…. asymptomatic.  According to dictionary.com, asymptomatic is defined as (of a person with a disease or other medical condition) experiencing no symptoms or evidence of illness or abnormality.  Simply put, a person who has a medical condition but shows no symptoms… there is no evidence to show this person has the condition.
 
There is a correlation here between our current state of affairs and the Kingdom.  The Kingdom of God is most certainly not a virus, but there is evidence of the Spirit’s work in our heart when we surrender to Him.  I have really loved this sermon series – Renovation of the Heart – and the powerful stories of everyday encounters with Jesus and what happens in the aftermath.  When we encounter Jesus are we transformed or do our lives stay the same.
 
Paul speaks about the fruit of the Spirit in Galations 5.  Fruit here is singular, meaning all should be present if we are truly renovated and transformed by the power of Jesus.  We should see evidence of that fruit at work in our lives – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  I am struck by how the New Life Version describes self-control… “being the boss over our own desires.”
 
How can we show evidence of Jesus’ transforming and renovating work in our hearts?  We can respond in love.  We can really listen to the others and not craft a response while they speak.  We can be kind on social media.  This doesn’t mean you can’t have an opinion, it just means share your opinion in a God-honoring way.  We can encourage one another.  People need to hear that you love them.  And, lastly, we can be present.  Don’t let other things distract you from the most important things.
 
Join with me.  Think about the fruit of the Spirit and then think about ways that fruit will shine through in your life!  We are in this together and we need each other.  Let Jesus shine through you and let Him renovate your heart!   
 
Can’t wait to worship with you this weekend!
We are Central… and we’re in this TOGETHER! 
SOLI DEO GLORIA
-F