Have you ever read through the fruit of the spirit and mumbled through goodness, kindness and gentleness like they were one big lump together?  Aren’t they all about the same thing?  We certainly have used them interchangeably in our culture and I know that when “Be good”, “Be kind” or “Be gentle” rolled off my tongue as a mom of 4 toddler girls they all meant, “Please don’t smack your sister in the face and grab that toy!”.

The truth is, these three attributes of the Spirit, and of maturity...

Every part of the Fruit of the Spirit serves a purpose. Each attribute stands alone while simultaneously depending on its counterparts in such a way we will only begin to understand in this life.  But one thing is certain…. you cannot bear just part of the fruit, if you have surrendered your life to Christ then you bear the WHOLE fruit.

Have you ever seen an apple tree produce just apple peels? Or an avocado tree produce just large brown pits?

No.  Of course not.

There are many parts...

We are in a series all about maturity, what it actually is and how we can foster it in the youth we love and serve.  (Be sure to visit Part 1of this series and recap how maturity is first an outcome of discipline before it can ever be an input of character). 

We are starting with one of the most profound gifts we were ever given by our Father… love.  Because it is one of God’s greatest gifts, it is also one of the most attacked by the enemy. 

What Is and Isn’t Love

When you look up the ...

In our house we have learned (many times the hard way) that privileges do not come with age, they come with maturity.

Since when did passing time become a standard by which we are ready for things in life?  I don’t care how much time passes there are many things I will never be equipped for simply because more days are in my rearview.  

Maturity, on the other hand, is a much better predictor of success, although never fool proof.  But it does require truly being a part of a child or youn...