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Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (NASB)
We all enjoy receiving gifts and gifting others. Gifts can be given or received at any time of the year, and when we give or receive them from the heart, they are very special.
A few days ago, my husband and I watched our great grandson and great granddaughter in a special gifting moment. Each child took gifts out of their gift bag. Our 4-year-old Zannah saw that her 9-year-old brother Buddy didn't get a sticker book, but she got two. Out of love for her brother, she sweetly said, "Here, Buddy. Now we each have a sticker book."
The beauty of love that we saw in those moments showed that some gifts can't be wrapped, because they are the essence of love. Love motivates us to look for another person's well-being. Zannah sized up the situation that included her brother.
From a believer in Christ, that kind of understanding and action represents a fruit of the Spirit. We can't wrap fruits of the Spirit, although through them, we can be motivated to give gifts that can be wrapped or unwrapped.
To act from a fruit of the Spirit is holy, because God prompts it. Think about a time when you felt despair, and someone encouraged you. Think about a time when you felt deep sadness, and someone listened to you. Think about a time when you were exceptionally rude, and someone treated you with patience. Think of a time when you walked away from an argument to keep the peace. Think of a time when someone showed humility so that you weren't embarrassed. At some time, we have all benefitted by one of these graces, and we have all shown them. These are all gifts of the Spirit that cannot be wrapped.
It would be interesting, in a day, to look for the number of gifts of the Spirit that we receive from or give to someone else.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for the mercy and grace that You have taught us to show. We ask You to place these behaviours uppermost in our hearts and minds so that we are ready to share with someone an unwrapped gift from Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Thursday, January 23, 2025 – In Europe — Pray for the Jewish community to be encouraged and feel the love of their non-Jewish Christian friends. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open the hearts and minds of these secular Jews, and for God's leadership in my work.
daughter: "Update December 30, 2024: And please touch her heart that she may turn to YOU.* November 12, 2024:..." 
Thank you.
May it be so, Karen.
Amen. Have a blessed weekend.
Thanks, Karen. That is beautiful!
Thank you, Karen, for this peaceful devotion.
Thank you, Karen. This is insightful and motivating.
Amen! Thanks for sharing this timely reminder. Blessings.
Good one Karen!
Blessings.
Thank you, Karen. What a wonderful way to describe the fruits of the Spirit.
What a lovely task you have set us, with your examples and suggestions, Karen! How wonderful that these opportunities are available to every believer.
Hi Karen, just wanted to say what a lovely story, the image of the little one sharing with her brother , really moved me. An important message you conveyed today.
Thanks.
As soon as I started to read your DD, I knew it was you!
Thanks for another reminder of the goodness of God in our lives. He’s the real Giver!
Hi Karen,
“To act from a fruit of the Spirit is holy, because God prompts it.” Thanks for the insight which in my understanding conforms to “without a vision [God’s] the people perish” and “He shall give the desires [God’s right desires] of thine heart”.
Thank you, Karen! This devotion is beautifully written, and beautiful to envision. In this tough old world, it is good to stop and think about times when we have been recipients of the gifts of the Spirit, and perhaps more importantly, the times we gifted those mercies!
May this day be a blessing to you!
(CA)
Good morning, Karen,
I gave myself a gift this morning and stayed in bed to finish a book. I really enjoyed learning from this book. A friend had recommended it and I usually read mysteries, so this was a nice diversion.
When I opened your email, I was in a peaceful and joyful place and your story about your grandchildren increased my joy. It is so true about the fruit of the spirit and how they enrich our lives and the lives of others. I loved all your examples of how God prompts these gifts to help others.
Thank you for sharing such an insightful gift that your granddaughter shared with her brother. As we look for these moments in our lives, we become more grateful and thoughtful of others. As we look for moments of the fruits of the spirits, may we be inspired and generous. May you have many more moments of unwrapped gifts. May God guide you to provide many more unwrapped gifts.
Dear Karen,
My Husband and I loved your Devotion!
I’d say your Great Granddaughter Zannah takes much after you!
What a great Testimony of love!
Hello Karen,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story “Look for the Unwrapped Gifts”. Although we so appreciate when someone is kind or patient, etc., we often take the fruits of the Spirit for granted as gifts. And what I find so fascinating in your story, is the reminder of the innocence of children. Zannah’s kindness to her brother is a quality that is deeply in her – what a gift. No one had to tell her that it is an act of kindness to share.
Thank you,
(ON)
Oh Karen. So good. Brings tears to my eyes. Think of all the times these gifts are overlooked. I’ve just returned home after spending a couple weeks with my grandkids whom I hadn’t held since Christmas 2019.
I spent so much time just gazing at them! And I saw exactly what you relate today. I came home realizing that my daughter and husband are doing a great job raising their family. I saw God’s work in those little ones. And I see God in you, Karen. Thank you.