WHEN YOUR ATTITUDE CUP IS BUMPED, WHAT SPILLS OUT?

SCRIPTURE:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, 
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  
(Galatians 5:22-23)

MEDITATION:
In the last days before His crucifixion, Jesus promised an Advocate would be 
sent to His disciples (including all today who have yielded their lives to Him).
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. 
Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; 
but if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)

There were two very important reasons for this promise from Jesus.
First of all, the arrival of the Advocate serves as confirmation 
that Jesus was resurrected and is with His Heavenly Father.
Secondly, the Holy Spirit gives us a new perspective of the worldly values, 
and a new appreciation of Godly righteousness.
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong 
about sin and righteousness and judgment. (John 16:8)

We can think of an advocate as a supporter – someone who is with us, and for us.
We can also think of an advocate as a spokesperson – someone who constantly 
reminds us of God’s words and principles 
and how we need to apply them to our own lives.

Our Advocate is the Holy Spirit and He works
to instill certain qualities and characteristics in our lives.
The Bible provides us with a list of those Godly qualities in Galatians.
Why are we given this us?
To make us a better person, to help us enjoy living, and to help us 
determine if we are allowing the Holy Spirit to flourish in our lives.

If we are missing out on some of these characteristics, then
we have failed in allowing the Holy Spirit full control in our lives.
If the Holy Spirit has not been given control, 
then we have not fully yielded to the Lord either.

As long as we are still trying to be in control, then we will 
have conflict and turmoil as our human nature urges us to do wrong, 
while our conscience prompts us to do right.
We will continually be torn between these two urges.
This constant struggle can lead to physical and emotional problems.

It is easy to see why the Lord wants us to be dependent on Him 
and not show independence by depending on ourselves. 
We do not have the capability to adequately reject sin and embrace righteousness.
Paul must have been in the midst of such a personal civil war when he cried out, 
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body 
that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through 
Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24-25a)

ACTION:
Is the Holy Spirit living in you?
Do you have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, 
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in your life?

Love (affection and concern for others; self-denial; self-sacrificing).
Peace (calm; not quarrelsome).
Patience (tolerant; not rude; patiently enduring).
Kindness (warmhearted; caring and considerate).
Goodness (commendable; ready to do good; love in action).
Faithfulness (loyalty; dependable; obedience).
Gentleness (mild in manner; worthy of love and affection).
Self-control (self-disciplined; obedient; not impulsive).

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to those who 
belong to You. Forgive me if I have failed to allow Him to have full 
control of my life. I know that all of the fruits of the Spirit are good 
for me and have a positive impact on those around me. Help me to embrace 
those fruits and to embellish them in my life. Teach me to give up my 
independence and to depend on You, so that I will become the person 
You want me to be. Only Your Holy Spirit can adequately control my 
innermost feelings. Thank You for the changes You will make in me.”