But the fruit that comes from having the Holy Spirit in our lives is: love, joy, peace, not giving up, being kind, being good, having faith, being gentle, and being the boss over our own desires. The Law is not against these things. Galatians 5:22-23 (New Life Version)
I was speaking with a client recently who is in the midst of a spiritual crisis. She feels like the strict, law-heavy church of her youth pales in comparison to the new-found joy she is feeling when fellowshipping with Christians she has recently met. These people are demonstrating love, acceptance and caring as she struggles to find footing on her new spiritual path.
She noted that these people demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit, and she is overwhelmed by their sincerity and sense of freedom in how they express their faith. I assured her that I can walk with her in this journey. The rigidity of law and judgment she has lived with for years has affected her mental health. She has struggled with anxiety for many years, and this view of a rigid, judging God has added to her fear-based faith.
She is indeed on a faith journey, and fortunately, she has sought out kind and loving people in her neighborhood who have gently taken her into a different way of seeing God- one who loves her right where she is.
We can be beacons of light right where we are, right in own neighborhood, for people seeking a relationship with a loving God. Isn’t that a great mission to have?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to serve people in our own backyard, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 