Today as we begin considering what consistency looks like, there has to be a core foundation and the first three aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit are that core. When I think about this first group my mind goes directly to MATTERS OF THE HEART. At the source of everything we do, lies our motivations and reason for how we act, how we respond to circumstances and people as well as what we foster inside our minds during and after those actions/responses. As I grew up the phrase “the heart of the matter” was always used to get things down to the lowest common denominator. So it is with the fruit of our spirits, because that fruit is the essence of who we are as individuals.

The first “Heart Matter” is Love! Over the years we have discussed 1 Corinthians 13. That chapter is a parenthetical chapter that puts the Spiritual Gifts in context. Without love the gifts will not abound in the individual. The word “Agape: describes a benevolent love that gives freely without asking for anything in return. It does not consider the financial worth of an object or a person. It is not passion, emotions or feelings but a decision. CS Lewis says we encounter Agape: “Through our own awareness of needing love, through our own earthly gift-love, and through appreciative Love or an experience of perfect love.” The basis of all we do must start and end with this key concept. Without love we cannot begin to consider ourselves valuable to our friends, family or society.

The third “Heart Matter” is Peace! You might think the word Shalom is used here, but actually the word “Eirene” is employed. It means harmony or unity between individuals, rather than completeness. It pictures a state of assurance or lack of fear that only God can provide between believers. It is a true state of tranquility and serenity where there is freedom from worry and oppressive thoughts, annoyance, distraction, anxiety, or obsession. As a believer you know deep down inside that everything is going to be ok in the long run. I know that is hard to see at times, especially during times of stress. However, all you have to do is pray and ask Joy to remove the worry, anxiety, depression or any of the spiritual oppressions that can consume you. You have something the unbeliever cannot access.

Kids, these concepts must be the core of your heart. They serve as the foundation for the Spirit to act, interact and react when you face challenges. If these heart matters are not well founded and part of your guiding principles, you are going to struggle. You are then acting like the Spirit has no value and His work holds no meaning.

The heart matters are there for the asking. Remember ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened. When it is, your fruit will bless those around you as you display the HEART of Christ!

Love Dad