Renewed Character

In an increasingly connected world, we know character matters more than ever. Just like fruit in an orchard, God grows in us virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, humility, goodness, and gentleness. As we increasingly live out these virtues, we can truly change our families, communities, and beyond.

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard— things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity.  We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.  We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

- Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG)