Good or Bad?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, and peace, patience, understanding of others, kindness and fidelity, gentleness and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23

So many times in life we have to evaluate things and figure out if they're good for us or not, or even worthwhile or not. Sometimes I wish God would just give me a vivid dream in which He tells me exactly what to do so I don't have to figure things out. These fruits of the Holy Sprit are what I call the litmus test for getting our answers. I know someone who's been in a relationship for a while now and I know for a fact that her boyfriend isn't good for her because of the "fruits" of that relationship. I see the relationship breaking down her mental, emotional, and even physical state. I see her family at war with her. When things come from God and are good for us, they bring peace. They build us up and make us transparent people with nothing to hide. Why? Because God wants to better us and bring good things to our lives, so anything that comes from Him, gives us the fruits of the Spirit - peace, patience, fidelity, kindness, etc. There is nothing to hide or conceal. But where there are contant arguments, resentment, hate, jealousy, selfishness, shouting, bitterness, this does not come from God. In fact, the Spirit of God leaves from where this lack of harmony exists. We all need to examine our lives and the people and things in them. Is there something or someone that is bringing you down, causing division and stirring up hate and jealousy? This does not come from God and you need to pray for God to free you from that situation as soon as possible. Nothing good comes from this. And if you see good in your life and feel peace from decisions you have made, God is blessing you for following His will.

Today's Prayer:
Lord God, when I lack discernment, please step in and show me where the fruits of the Spirit are. I want to follow You, especially when things are not clear. Help me to see and put Your will into practice. In Your Name we pray, amen.