Golden Nugget: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” 

Daily Verse: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” —Galatians 5:22–23

Daily Message:
Some friends of mine hosted an exchange student from Spain several years ago. When I asked this student for her thoughts regarding America, her response was insightful. 

“It’s too plastic,” she said.

Contrary to her expectations before arriving, she found that the kids in her school were superficial and phony. They were pleasant but not kind, sociable but not friendly, nice but not loving. She remarked that their attitudes and actions were more situational than natural.

Today’s verses speak of the natural outgrowth of a life committed to following God. The attributes listed are not add-ons or imposed behaviors. They are the result—the fruit, if you will—of a life devoted to God. 

If you would like these character traits to describe you, you might be tempted to try harder to be good or to act more lovingly. But in order to cultivate these traits as truly natural responses, we need to allow God to produce them in us. He will change us from the inside out.

Consider This:

• Why do we so often want to pretend to be good rather than actually be good?
• How would your life be different if you stopped pretending and started allowing God to change you from the inside out?

Take Action:
Spend some time thinking about the character traits listed in these verses. Think of people you know who embody these traits. As you grow closer to God, ask him to make these qualities increase naturally in your life.