“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Earlier this year I asked if you would like to discuss the fruits of the spirit. In January, we had a lively discussion on love and forgiveness. In February, the discussion was less spirited on the topic of “joy.”

I decided that perhaps instead of doing one a month as planned, doing all of them now the week before Easter might engender more discussion. (After all, I don’t write these blogs just to talk to myself. 🙂

One point that occurred to me is I believe there are two different types of fruits. The active “doing” fruits.

And the fruits we receive as a testimony of our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

For example, love is something we do–it’s active. Joy, on the other hand, is something we receive. Joy is an evidence of God’s working in us and joining with us. We receive it.

What do you think of that idea? Perhaps that’s why love is more of a concern to us. That’s what we are supposed to be doing. But joy we experience through nearness to God.

If we take this approach, which are the fruits that are “active?”

Which of –love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance?

Or do I have it wrong? What do you think? And how are you preparing for Easter-spiritually? (Though I love coloring eggs too!)–Lyn