Gifting Spirit (Fruit of the Spirit)

 While we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are discharged from the law, dead to that which held us captive, so that we are slaves not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit. Romans 7:5-6 (New Revised Standard Version)

Several months ago, one of our Inspire. Ignite. Invite. participants offered an excellent observation about seeing the Holy Spirit at work in nature. We wanted to give her story a place in the Advent devotion as a place to begin unpacking this challenging scripture from Romans.

During one of our sessions, Kathy described the Monarch butterfly chrysalises she saw outside her home. She reflected on how it was rare for her to see them and that they were subject to predators. In this case, a few of the Monarch butterflies emerged and began their southern migration. In many ways, the butterfly is an excellent symbol for today’s scripture. The butterfly can represent our “new life of the Spirit.” In spite of the danger of “bearing fruit for death,” we are saved to this new life to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit blesses us with the presence of Spirit-filled people. Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your gifts and fruit with us and may God continue to bless you with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Thank you, Gifting Spirit, for showing us your wisdom in nature and for gifting us with fruit for God’s kingdom.

Leadership Team – Inspire. Ignite. Invite.