You are made in the Image of God, fearfully and wonderfully made, and a masterpiece of God. He made you beautiful, inside and out, and the Fruit of the Spirit is one way that reflects the inner beauty God gave you. The Fruit of the Spirit are attributes to your personality that develop through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Fruit of the Spirit is not just an emotion, but a lifestyle that is beautiful to God and the world around you.
In Proverbs 31:10-31, there’s an example of an amazing woman, inside and out. Though she was written about before the birth of Jesus and before Jesus gave the Holy Spirit, she displays the Fruit of the Spirit in her daily life.
Love: Proverbs 31:11-12
“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” Of all the woman’s many attributes and capabilities, the first one mentioned is love. Not only is love mentioned first, but the relationship between her and her husband is mutual and healthy. He trusts her and she supports him. Of course, you don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to display love. Showing love to your friends, family and mentors is the first step to developing healthy emotional and spiritual relationships.
Joy: Proverbs 31:25
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” Life was not easier back in ancient times. If anything, the future seemed scarier. Life expectancy was not high, medicine was very limited and news took weeks to travel. However, this woman held her head up high, pressed forward with her life, and even knowing that life could bring negative twists and turns, she found joy.
Peace: Proverbs 31:21
“She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.” As mentioned previously, life was highly unpredictable. Scarlet clothing was colored to retain heat, and often made with an extra layer of fabric for warmth. While she used practical discernment to prepare for the winter months, she had peace for other uncertainties that come with rocky times in life.
Patience: Proverbs 31:16
“She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.” This woman takes time to make informed and wise decisions. She is patient and hardworking in all her endeavors. In our culture, everything is instant. Netflix, Amazon, Dominos are all available instantly. In a world that craves instant gratification, patience makes Christians stand apart.
Kindness: Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Have you ever met someone who was very smart but made you feel badly for not knowing what they did? Even though the woman is full of wisdom, she delivers it with kindness. Each person is at different stages of their life educationally, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Be kind and supportive of one another.
Goodness: Proverbs 31:20
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” Not only does the Proverbs 31 woman work for the well-being of her family, but also for those in need. Reaching out to others is an example of God’s goodness. Whether it’s helping a friend who’s struggling in a class, raising money for a Compassion child with your youth group or volunteering at a homeless shelter, helping those around you shows others a glimpse of God’s goodness.
Faithfulness: Proverbs 31:27
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” While it’s healthy to relax every once in a while, diligence is incredibly important. This woman continues to take care of her household and is not idle. Showing dedication to your education, relationships, faith and work is one way that faithfulness becomes a lifestyle.
Gentleness: Proverbs 31:19
“She puts her hand to the distaff and her hands to hold the spindle.” Throughout the chapter, this woman is described as being very strong. Yet, she knows when to be gentle. Spindling is very definitive, gentle work and it’s an example of her gentle spirit. Gentleness does not mean being gullible or unintelligent; there’s wisdom and strength that comes with being gentle.
Self-control: Proverbs 31:15
“She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.” Here you have a very practical, relatable example of self-control; waking up early in the morning. This woman has enough self-control to take care of others in her home and not go back to sleep. Self-control not only develops healthy emotional and spiritual habits, but it benefits those around you in various ways.
Inner beauty is a message that’s often preached and implemented. However, Proverbs 31 ends with this truth: “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Physical beauty can be manufactured and manipulated, but the inner beauty that’s given to you by God never fades away. Not only does it last forever, it matures and blossoms gracefully. God has created you to be beautiful, inside and out, and loving Him makes that beauty shine brighter.
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