“The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to sustain its life: sunshine, dew, rain, and life-giving properties from the air and soil. So we grow in Christian experience by using the “means of grace” God has provided: taking deep root in Christ’s love for us; opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit; worship, prayer, singing, service, and fellowship.” –Fruit of the Vine

Query: How does spiritual fruit benefit you, others, and God’s work on the earth?

36

To breathe in,

one must first breathe out.

To release pain,

one must first accept it.

To hold onto something,

one must first let it go.

An eternal truth:

soft and vulnerable overcome

rigid and proud.

A true leader’s strength

is not clever words or actions

but deep, still waters

of the Spirit within.

–Jim Teeters, Because of This