Transformed by Truth: Living God’s way each and every day Galatians 5:22-23
Welcome to a new day, a fresh opportunity to embrace the transformative power of God’s love and grace. Each morning brings a choice: how will we navigate the challenges and blessings ahead?
Inspired by the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, let us explore the daily decisions we make to embody love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Drawing from scripture and the wisdom of Christian preachers and authors, we can see how these virtues can shape our lives and deepen our walk with Christ.
Let's reflect on the power of being transformed by choosing God’s way each and every day.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT): "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
It’s a new day. The early morning silence is profound. My coffee is hot, the sky is still dark, and the world is asleep. But the day is on its way.
In a short while, the sun will rise, bringing with it the hustle and bustle of the day. The serenity of dawn will give way to the busyness of daily life. The peace and solitude of this moment will soon be replaced by the demands of decisions to make and deadlines to meet. For the next twelve hours, I will face the challenges of the day. It is now that I must choose my path.
Because of Calvary, I have the freedom to choose. And so, I make my choices.
I choose love. No situation justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. Today, I will love God and what He loves. As 1 John 4:7 (NLT) reminds us, "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God."
Max Lucado: "God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus." This quote underscores the transformative power of God’s love in our lives, encouraging us to choose love every day.
I choose joy. I will invite God to be the God of my circumstances. I refuse the temptation to be cynical, which is the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings created by God. I will see problems as opportunities to witness God’s work. As Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) says, "Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Rick Warren: "Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation." Warren’s insight highlights the choice to embrace joy regardless of circumstances, trusting in God’s sovereignty.
I choose peace. I will live forgiven and extend forgiveness. Colossians 3:15 (NLT) encourages us, "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."
Billy Graham: "The world doesn't give peace, but Jesus does. He said, 'My peace I give unto you.' The storms may come, but we can have peace in our hearts." Graham’s words remind us of the peace Jesus offers, which surpasses the turmoil of the world.
I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Rather than complain about waiting, I will thank God for the opportunity to pray. I will face every circumstance with joy and courage. As James 1:3-4 (NLT) instructs, "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."
Charles Swindoll: "True patience is waiting without worrying." Swindoll’s definition of patience encourages us to trust God’s timing without anxiety.
I choose kindness. I will be kind to everyone; both the rich and the poor, for this is how God has treated me. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) reminds us, "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Max Lucado: "Kindness is love in action. It’s not merely a feeling; it’s something we do. Kindness is compassion made tangible. It’s a smile given, a door held open, a meal provided, a word spoken in love." Lucado's perspective on kindness underscores its lasting impact and encourages us to be kind in all situations.
I choose goodness. I will go without rather than withhold. I will be overlooked before I boast. I will confess before I accuse. I choose goodness. Galatians 6:9 (NLT) encourages us, "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."
Tim Keller: "The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." Keller’s words highlight the goodness and grace of God that calls us to reflect His goodness in our lives.
I choose faithfulness. By God's grace, I will keep my promises. My motives and words will not be questionable - people will not regret their trust in me or my God. My family will not doubt my love. Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT) advises, "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favour with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation."
A.W. Tozer: "Faithfulness is not doing something right once but doing something right over and over and over and over." Tozer’s emphasis on consistency in faithfulness encourages us to be reliable and steadfast in our commitments.
I choose gentleness. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, it will be in praise of my Lord and Saviour. May I be considerate in all I do and say. Philippians 4:5 (NLT) says, "Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon."
N.T. Wright: "Gentleness involves a humility and thankfulness towards God, and a polite, restrained behaviour towards others. It is a fruit of the Spirit, showing our transformation by God’s grace." May Wright's insight encourage us to be gentle and thankful.
I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will turn to dust rule the eternal. I choose self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) lists the fruits of the Spirit, "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
Beth Moore: "Self-control is the ability to harness one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses." Moore’s understanding of self-control calls us to be disciplined and Spirit-led in our actions.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are my choices for today. If I succeed, I will give thanks to God for strengthening me. If I fail, I will continue to seek His grace, His mercy, and His love.
When this day is done, I will pray about the things of today, and the things that tomorrow will bring. I will sleep in peace giving all my worries and cares to God, for he cares about me (1 Peter 5:7).
Call to Action
As you begin each day, remember the freedom you have in Christ to choose how you respond to life’s challenges. Embrace the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Reflect on these qualities and let them guide your actions and decisions. Choose to walk in the Spirit, allowing God to transform your heart and mind, making each day an opportunity to grow closer to Him.
Let us pray for God’s grace to embody these qualities daily. If we succeed, we give thanks; if we fail, we seek His grace. At the end of the day, may we find rest in His love and peace, knowing that His mercies are new every morning. Amen.
May we be transformed by the truth of God's Word and may God bless you as you make your choices today.
Amen.
