1959) My young scholars, simply because of their age, are quick to compare things. Did he get the same grade as I did? Is my water bottle as good as hers? Did they receive the same penalty as I did? Does my hair look as good as the other girls in my class? These types of comparisons are not usually helpful but some comparing is good.  

When I meditate on the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 and compare them to what they represent on earth, then it is helpful. Let’s try it with the first one.  

Our Love: Love on this earth can mean I will encourage you, stay with you, want what’s best for you but as the years go by, my commitment can fade. I get impatient with your continual whining and when I offer encouragement; I expect a gracious response, but sometimes you won’t even listen to me.  

God’s Love: He is always there, waiting to give us encouragement, even when we have turned our backs on him. Our best interests are always his top priority when deciding what to allow to happen. He is eternally committed to us and never gives up on us. We are not abandoned by him.  

Comparing can be useful. Take some time today to compare the other fruits of the spirit.  If you’ve forgotten, they are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.