The Fruit Of Our Lives — “Fresh And Flourishing”
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesWhat do we think of when we hear the word “fresh”? Growing up on a farm as I did, “fresh” means just-harvested fruits and vegetables — not those stale artificial kind found in the grocery store, but crisp and full of exquisite flavor.
Brethren, we need that kind of freshness in our relationship with God. We can have too many stale attitudes such as impatience, criticism, and selfishness — and not enough “longsuffering, kindness …. gentleness,” which are among “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23 – NKJV).
As David repented of the sin in his life, he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart.” Then he petitioned God: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:10-12 – NKJV).
Confession and repentance of our sin renews our fellowship with the Lord and with one another, allowing us to joyously begin anew (1 John 1:5-9 – NKJV).
What better time than today for us to ask God to give us a newness of spirit, a freshness of faith, and a renewed appreciation of Him!
Heavenly Father, we desire that the fruit of our lives will always be “fresh and flourishing” (Psalm 92:14 – NKJV). Help us to understand and better appreciate Your love, compassion, and faithfulness that are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NKJV). In Jesus’ name, Amen.