Jeremiah
looks at the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. The nine
choices he writes about are the choices to express these character
traits. We will have help from God but the work is still up to
believers. “These nine qualities require commitment and effort.”
(xi) Jeremiah tells many encouraging stories for each quality as well
as provides some general suggestions in developing them.
My
favorite chapter was the one on integrity. Jeremiah reminds us that
this is an internal quality that starts with what we tell ourselves.
We can lie and make excuses but God knows everything we think, feel,
and do. (131) We can never fool God. I think I liked this chapter the
best because integrity, adhering to moral principles and telling the
truth, seems to be in such short supply in the current American
political scene. My next favorite chapter was the one on compassion,
a quality that seems to be missing in many evangelical Christians
today.
All
of these character qualities are to be evidenced in the life of
Christians. They are, after all, the fruit of the Spirit. Jeremiah
provides good examples and lots of encouragement to produce these
godly qualities in life. There is no specific strategy provided, just
general encouragement and suggestions.
I
recommend this book to people who really want to express the fruit of
the Spirit and just need some encouragement to do so. You'll read
lots of examples of people who have lived out these qualities.
I
also recommend this book to Christians who find that expressing the
fruit of the Spirit is the farthest thing from their minds. You'll
get a good dose of what your Christian life should really look like.
Food
for thought: “Self-discipline is the secret ingredient to achieving
a life beyond amazing.” (172)
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
David
Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point, an international ministry
committed to provided Christians with sound Bible teaching through
radio, television, the Internet, live events, and resource materials
and books. He is the author of more than fifty books. You can find
out more at https://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/default.aspx.
W
Publishing Group, 256 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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