Nougat 13

Recently, I was blessed with a slice of well made Jamaican wedding cake. It was scrumptious! I tell you, despite gluten allergies, I introduced myself to it; savouring each morsel until it was done. It was smooth, but not overly moist; and the combination of ingredients made an indelible impact on my tastebuds. And although it contained a mélange of fruits, possibly even nuts, they could not be distinguished from each other, nor the other ingredients. That’s one mark of good wedding cake, good flavor with the right blend of the ingredients.

Today’s Holy Nougat could be seen in the same light as the cake … enjoy

“But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that.” Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭GW‬‬

Far often, in our teachings about the Fruit of the Spirit, we approach it as nine parts rather than one. And there’s merit in that approach, for it is helpful to understand the diversity that comprises the Fruit of the Spirit (or the spiritual nature). But, the Fruit is like that good wedding cake, it is best all together.

In other words, while it’s good to manifest each aspect of the Fruit individually; we ought to desire the inseparable Fruit being evident in our lives. That makes for a powerful testimony of our status as celebrity children.

Of a truth, children don’t always visibly carry every feature of their parents; but even the adoptive children reflect their parents’ traits. For us therefore, we seek to learn the ways of God and emulate them. We need therefore an inseparable mix of them all love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Our challenge today is then to find a good mix that flows into our nature as one. To do so we are obliged to prayerfully discern our weaknesses and hand them to God’s loving restoration. The process is often painful – getting our sin nature to yield to God’s is not easy. But, recognizing the potential impact on others who are not yet reconciled to God.

Is it possible, after a moment’s reflection, for us to see where we need improving? Can we be honest before God, even when we would rather pretend all is well? Do we dare allow someone to hold us accountable for the manifested Fruit in our lives?

A lot to chew on …

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May all we seek be found in Christ