Sweets of the Spirit

Today's reading: Galatians 5-6

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. Galatians 5: 22 NRSV

When you hear the word "fruit" you might picture the produce section of your grocery store. Healthy, or on a diet may be the second thoughts that come to mind. We need to change our thinking about fruit!

Fruit must have been a very desirable treat in the lands of the Middle East.   Although we might picture apples, bananas, oranges and pears, Paul and his contemporaries probably were thinking figs, dates, pomegranates and grapes. Most of these would have been served at the end of the meal. The only other form of sugar would have been honey, so I imagine fruit for them was actually a type of desert.

We again might see fruit of the Spirit as a healthy alternative. Wouldn't it be more enticing to have Spiritual sweets? For Paul fruit was desirable and sweet, not just good for you! When we look what happens when we are producing behavior and thoughts in line with the Holy Spirit, we need to be thinking about candy, cookies, cakes, donuts and ice cream! These are good things, desirable and celebratory.

Sweets of the Spirit? Bring 'em on!

God, help us to see how Spiritual sweets can be a desirable way of living in the spirit! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims