Title: Apply the Fruits of the Spirit to the Situation.

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 

Devotion: Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us of the virtues bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit: _“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”

  In a home once filled with bitterness, resentment, and strife, there stood a family on the brink of dissolution. Anger had become a daily visitor, and malice wove itself into their conversations. The wife, overwhelmed by the hostility, decided to consult a lawyer to file for divorce. 

  As she left her home, heavy-hearted and determined, she encountered the Holy Spirit on her path. A gentle yet profound presence, the Spirit spoke to her of love, joy, peace, and kindness. The wife felt a warmth she hadn’t experienced in years. She was reminded of the teachings from Galatians 5:22-23, which she once held dear. The Holy Spirit guided her heart, teaching her to apply these fruits to her marriage.

  Back at home, the husband, unaware of his wife’s encounter, seethed with anger and frustration. His words, harsh and filled with venom, lashed out over the phone. Yet, to his astonishment, his wife’s voice on the other end was filled with love, humility, and grace. Her calm demeanor diffused the tension, and he found himself lost for words.

  “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6), the wife recalled, applying the wisdom with every word she spoke. Her response was not of the human spirit but of the Spirit of God within her.

  That night, the husband too encountered the Holy Spirit. In a moment of reflection, the Spirit spoke to his heart, revealing the same fruits of love, joy, peace, and self-control. He felt his hardened heart soften, and a wave of remorse and reconciliation washed over him.

  When the wife returned home, they embraced each other with newfound love and understanding. The fruits of the Spirit had mended what human hands could not. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12), they vowed to one another, committing to these virtues as the foundation of their renewed relationship.

  Their home, once a battleground, became a sanctuary of peace and love. The Holy Spirit’s transformation in their lives was a testament to the power of God’s love. They learned that no matter how broken things might seem, the fruits of the Spirit can bring healing and restoration.

I don't know what you are going through but I urge you to apply the fruits of the spirit to the situation and God shall restore happiness and success to you in Jesus' name. 

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com, feel free to share your testimony and thoughts with me through the medium by which you receive this devotional. Please help someone restore the family or situation, share this with them.