May 29, 2025 • 21 mins
What does it mean to walk by the Spirit in our everyday lives? This question stands at the heart of our continuing exploration of the fruits of the Spirit, focusing specifically on forbearance, kindness, and goodness.
We begin with a heartwarming story about a five-year-old's innocent yet profound understanding of prayer: "You have to pray every day or you will shrink, and when you pray, you grow." This simple childlike wisdom captures the essence of spiritual growth and our need for constant connection with God.
Diving deeper into Galatians 5:13-24, we examine the stark contrast between living according to the flesh versus walking in the Spirit. The internal conflict between these two forces often feels like those cartoon depictions of an angel and devil sitting on our shoulders, constantly pulling us in opposite directions. Yet the scripture offers a clear path forward - when we choose to live by the Spirit, we naturally begin producing spiritual fruit that transforms our relationships and responses to life's challenges.
Forbearance (patience) emerges as far more than passive waiting; it's an active choice to maintain composure during difficult circumstances. Kindness reveals itself as the compassionate heart of God working through us, creating spaces of warmth and acceptance. And goodness stands as a beacon of moral integrity that reflects God's nature in our everyday interactions. Through personal stories and practical examples, we explore how these spiritual qualities can be cultivated and expressed even in challenging situations.
Whether you're just beginning your spiritual journey or seeking to deepen your relationship with Christ, this episode offers both encouragement and practical guidance. Join us as we discover together how the Holy Spirit equips us to live transformed lives that reflect God's love to a world in need. Have you experienced the difference these spiritual fruits make in your daily interactions? We'd love to hear your story at youarenotalone@debbieandgreggold.com.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Hello, this is Debbie and Greg Gold, and welcome to
the you Are Not Alone podcast,where we cover topics that will
help you navigate life, and, asChristians, we know that we
can't do it alone.
We need Jesus.
We encourage you to join us onthe journey that will help you
begin or deepen your walk withChrist, no matter where you are.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Welcome back to another episode of you Are Not
Alone with Debbie and Greg.
This week we're going tocontinue our discussion on the
fruit of the Spirit and if youremember the last episode, we
talked about the fruits love,joy and peace.
But first back to thehighlights of the week.
So what was yours?
Speaker 1 (00:41):
So what was yours?
Okay, so I know our lastepisode.
We were talking about prayerand being connected with God and
all that, and my friendMichelle and her grandson Ryder,
who's five and a half.
They listened to it I know hecorrected me, they listened to
(01:03):
it and, as the writer waslistening, he goes.
And again, I was talking aboutprayer and some other things on
how you stay close to Jesus, buthe goes.
I wrote this down because itwas the cutest thing.
She texted me.
(01:24):
Writer said to Michelle youhave to pray every day or you
will shrink, and then, when youpray, you grow.
And I was talking about how,with prayer, you grow in your
faith.
And so that was his um takeawayhis little interpretation of
that.
From that, it was just adorableno, that is really cute.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
so I love when kids think like that, so they don't
fully understand it, but theykind of morph their own way
about it.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
Exactly, and it really.
Then I went yeah, I mean yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
In a way.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
That's really it.
If you don't pray, you shrink,and if you pray, you grow.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Grow with your faith.
There you go.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
So I don't know if that helps, but yeah, and then
how?
About yours.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah, so mine was Chase's graduation.
So last Friday, was it lastFriday, mm-hmm?
Yeah, last Friday Vandegrifthad a huge graduation at the HEB
Center, because it was like,didn't you say, 655 kids.
It was either 600 or 700, butwhatever, at that point you
(02:29):
don't even it doesn't matter,but yeah, I mean it almost took
around two hours and, um, Ithink it was really interesting
seeing like someone chase hisold friends from like flag
football and stuff you know,walking across the stage.
We were like wait a minute.
I remember that name yeah, solike someone, they don't hang
out anymore but, they kind ofgrew up together and yeah one
stage of their lives or theywere like middle school together
(02:49):
or something like that and thento see the parents and, yeah,
it's pretty cool yeah, it wasgreat to see him walk across the
stage and, um it was, it waspacked.
I thought it was going to behalf full, but it was like a
completely full stadium.
So took up the whole yeah yeah,only downside is that me and
you were just freezing insidethere it was very cold it was
(03:09):
very cold because I mean it ispart-time ice rink too so yeah,
the hockey for the texas starsyeah, thank you so?
yeah it was really cool to seeall his friends walk the stage
and then get some good photosafterwards.
And he did a cool backflip andhis boots and jeans somehow
(03:30):
landed.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Yeah, Chase does this thing where he's usually in
tennis shoes and shorts, but hewill, from a standing position,
do a backflip.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
And this time he was in boots and jeans, and this
time he had jeans and boots on.
And his cap and gown.
And his cap and gown.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Yeah, maybe not the gown or the cap, but the gown.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
But the full outfit?
Yeah, he had a lot of baggagethere, exactly, and somehow he
made it so glad he did.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
Yeah, it was a pretty special night, for sure.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Mm-hmm.
So yeah, there's my highlightof the week, Okay.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
Well, we had some good stuff.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
All right.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
And on another note, we're looking to bring our
message to more and more people,and so we've added a listener
support option that is locatedat the bottom of all our show
notes, where you can donate tosupport us.
And by supporting us, you'rebeing the hands and feet of
Jesus.
And by supporting us, you'rebeing the hands and feet of
(04:25):
Jesus and your generosity willhelp us to help others come to
Christ and to continue to growin that relationship with him.
So God bless you for yourconsideration and I hope you
take a little bit of time topray about that.
For sure.
I think one of the things we'reworking on now is trying to get
our social media sort ofaligned.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
More out there.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
More yeah and need some support and looking for
someone that can help us do that, or we'll probably have to pay
somebody, and so that would bewhere that money would go to,
for sure.
All right, and so last week wesaid the holy spirit lives in us
, and the scripture we read wasgalatians 5, chapter 5, verses
(05:12):
13 through 24, and then welooked at the first three fruits
of the nine spirit, or thefirst three of the nine fruits
of the Spirit.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
There we go.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
And so, anyway, today we're going to look at fruits
four through six, but first wethought we'd break down the
scripture to help our listenersbetter understand it.
So let's go ahead and getstarted on that.
So if you are able to open aBible at this point, please
don't do that if you're driving.
And so we're going to startwith Galatians 5 and just verses
(05:48):
13 through 15.
And I'll go ahead and read that.
You, my brothers and sisters,were called to be free, but do
not use your freedom to indulgethe flesh.
Rather, serve one anotherhumbly in love, for the entire
law is fulfilled in keeping thisone command Love your neighbors
(06:08):
as yourself.
If you bite and devour oneanother, watch out or you will
be destroyed by each other.
I love that.
That just to me.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Love thy neighbor, one of my favorite verses in the
Bible?
Speaker 1 (06:24):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
I love that neighbor.
One of my favorite verses inthe bible so, yeah, exactly, I
love that.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Love that neighbor as yourself.
So so paul is the author ofgalatians, apostle paul, and in
the bible he frequently makes ita point to mention that
christian's life is a life ofliberty.
And this freedom is not alicense to indulge in the sinful
natures of ourselves, or theflesh, as we call it.
Instead, it's the opportunityto serve each other selflessly
(06:54):
and express love, reflecting theteachings of Christ.
True Christian liberty is foundin choosing to do what is right
and godly, not simply followingour fleshly impulses.
All right, and so then, movingon to Galatians 5, 16 through 18
(07:14):
.
So I say walk by the Spirit andyou will not gratify the
desires of the flesh.
The flesh desires what iscontrary to the spirit and the
spirit what is contrary to theflesh?
They are in conflict with eachother, so that you are not to do
whatever you want, but if youare led by the spirit, you are
(07:38):
not under the law.
So here we're being encouragedto walk by the spirit and not
according to our human desiresor impulses.
Yes, and that the spirit, theholy spirit, and our flesh is in
conflict with one anotherconstantly.
I always think of that.
Like you remember the, like thelittle cartoons maybe.
(08:00):
Maybe you don't but the angeland the devil on each other.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Yeah, exactly that's exactly what I think when I
process this.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
So, in other words, let's be sensitive, or mindful,
to the influence of the HolySpirit.
And because the flesh reallydesires the opposite of that and
we really have to it's so mucheasier to do what the flesh
wants to do right, and so wereally have to be mindful that
that Holy Spirit is in us and wehave other choices to make that
(08:30):
are more pleasing to God.
And you can always tell whensomeone is walking in the Spirit
, because they will act and theywill speak much like Jesus.
All right, and then, moving onto Galatians 5, 19 through 21.
So here we go.
We're going to compare the actsof the flesh versus the acts of
(08:51):
the spirit or the fruit of thespirit.
The acts of the flesh areobvious Sexual immortality,
impurities, debauchery.
Immortality, impurities,debauchery, idolatry and
witchcraft, hatred, discord,jealousy, fits of rage, selfish
(09:13):
ambition, dissension, factionsand envy, drunkenness, orgies
and the like.
And I warn you, as I did before, that's move on to verses 22
(09:34):
through 23.
It says joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness andself-control.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Oh, I like that part so much better.
Sounds way better.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
Yeah, so really, the takeaway here is that the fruit
of the Spirit is in us and it'sall that.
All these things that we talkabout are in us.
The goal is to keep our mindseton the fruit instead of living
our fleshly ways.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
All right.
Now we're going to look atfruits, four through six, which
are forbearance, kindness andgoodness.
So forbearance, often referredto as patience or long-suffering
in different Bible translations, is a profound quality that
speaks to the ability to endurechallenges, frustrations or
adversity with grace andcomposure.
(10:27):
This fruit of the spirit is notabout passive waiting, but an
active choice to exerciserestraint and maintain peace
even in the face of trials.
So let's talk about someforbearance and action.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Yeah, I just sorry.
I want to interject here, gofor it.
I feel I've had some trialstoday and I don't feel, I feel
like I let my fleshly self takerespond to those challenges.
And, you know, just sittinghere looking at it, I try to
process well, wait a minute,what could I have done
(11:01):
differently?
How could I have been living inthe fruit?
You know, where did I, um,where did I really drop the ball
?
Um, because, honestly, rightnow I'm just, you know, kind of
upset about it and had I beenliving more in the fruit of the
spirit, I would not be feelinghow I am right now.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Yeah, so let's talk about forbearance and action.
So this virtue enablesindividuals to bear the weight
of difficult moments withoutgiving into anger or despair.
It calls for patience whencircumstances are slow to
improve or when people test ourlimits.
Forbearance is the strengththat allows us to trust in God's
timing, knowing that his planis perfect even when it requires
(11:43):
waiting.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Yeah, that is.
That's like such a goodreminder for me, because it's
like, okay, I'm praying, I'm,you know, knowing there's stuff
coming.
I feel like the Holy Spirit hasspoken to me, but I'm like, how
much longer that's why theycall it faith.
Yeah, right, Exactly, and so,but remembering that his plan is
(12:07):
perfect even when we're waiting.
So yeah, it's always a bit of achallenge, right?
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Yeah, and then the fifth fruit is going to be
kindness.
So, kindness, the fifth fruitof the spirit, is a beautiful
attribute that reflects thecompassionate and tender heart
of God.
While seemingly simple, itoften requires intentional
effort and spiritual guidance toembody fully.
Kindness goes beyond morefriendliness it is an act of
(12:36):
concern and care for others,even when circumstances make it
challenging.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Yeah, circumstances make it challenging.
Yeah, I'm just uh when you talkabout kindness, I'm reminded of
um mom gold, your grandma, mystep step or my mom um
mother-in-law.
You know her phone calls.
She's just so caring and she'sconcerned she checks in on us.
Yeah, she does and she givesadvice and she'll say you know,
take it or leave it, andsometimes you know there's
(13:04):
financial gifts, um, but shejust clearly cares and puts
others first.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Yeah, she always puts others first.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
She just has this heart.
That's truly amazing.
And by the way, she's 90.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
But she truly is an example of the fifth fruit,
which is kindness.
Speaker 2 (13:23):
She's pure kindness.
She always looks out.
I mean she has three sons andshe always looks out for all of
them, always calls themconstantly, right.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
She's like.
I wish I could just see mygrandkids more.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
She's always saying that.
I know she's always trying tobook flights out here.
It's not going to work.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
You can't, they won't let you come.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Yeah, you're too old.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
She's like I want to.
I'm like I know, and it's likehow you doing honey, yeah, she's
sweet.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
She is so.
Kindness in action.
So to practice kindness is toextend grace, patience and
understanding to those around us, including those who may be
difficult or unkind.
It's about lifting others up,offering encouragement and
creating an atmosphere of warmthand acceptance.
True kindness often leads us toacts of generosity and
(14:11):
selflessness, reminding us ofthe unconditional love that God
has shown us.
And this fruit calls us to riseabove petty grievances and
human shortcomings,demonstrating instead the divine
love that resides within us.
Through kindness, we drawcloser to God and reflect his
character to the world, creatingspaces where healing,
(14:31):
connection and love can flourish, and I've experienced this
myself, and I'm sure you all cantoo and have to.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Yeah, it's funny how, when you go into that space of
just you know being kind andhelping you know others and
being generous and selfless thatit puts you into, you know a
godlike image and you feelreally good about yourself you
feel so much better yeah.
Yes, yeah, anyway, I waspondering a thought, but I think
(15:07):
I'm going to skip it.
Oh yeah, Anyway, um, I don't.
I was pondering a thought but Ithink I'm going to skip it.
Oh yeah, it's okay.
Um, the sixth fruit is goodness, and goodness it's like a
beacon of moral integrity andvirtue, and I love this because
I think it's so important to beliving a life of integrity,
(15:27):
always doing the right thing,because it is a reflection of
God's own nature within us.
And goodness calls us to liveout our faith authentically,
showing the kindness, thehonesty and the genuine concern
for others.
And when we practice goodness,we mirror God's love by being a
light in the lives of others.
(15:47):
And when we practice goodness,we mirror God's love by being a
light in the lives of others.
So, god, you know he needs usto step up and be that image
that he is and to demonstratethat and to show that and to do
even when it's not easy likethat is the hard part.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:01):
It is.
It's like when you got someonethat you're struggling to love
or someone that you're you knowfeel did you wrong, but that's,
that's in us and we can do it.
We just need to remember to todo it that way.
Mm hmm, greg, I have a questionfor you.
(16:24):
Can you share like an exampleof how practicing goodness has
drawn you closer to god anddeepen your relationship with
other people?
You can make that a two-partquestion or a one-part question,
yeah I mean, I always want tocheck up on my friends.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I always see how they're doing.
You know, um, honesty is a bigone for me too.
I always try to be honest ineverything I do.
Um, just being kind too.
You know you want to be as kindas possible, um, and then, yeah
, you said you want to make it atwo-part question maybe.
Um, how has it drawn me closerto god?
(17:01):
um, I, I think, just doing thosethings every day, and then
reading the word of God too, andthen also me joining that small
group a while back, the freedomgroup the freedom group and
then having that relationshipwith those guys and then just
checking in on each other too,cause, like we send each other
verses in the in the group chatevery like four to five days or
(17:22):
two days, we check up on eachother.
Yeah, scripture and we check upon each other.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
Little updates and stuff is that through text, or,
yeah, it's through a big groupchat that we have set up, nice,
so um.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
And then I've just been reading the bible a lot
more and then reading some otherbooks that are, you know,
supportive of that too yeahreading that jesus confidential
book too.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
That's really good so um sandy fourth sandy, fourth,
scythe fourth scythe fourthscythe yeah, um well, what do
you think about?
How can we, as followers ofchrist, ensure that goodness
permeates every aspect of ourlives?
What do you think about that?
How can we, as followers ofchrist, ensure that goodness
permeates every aspect of ourlives?
(18:05):
What do you think about that?
How?
Speaker 2 (18:06):
can we?
Speaker 1 (18:06):
as followers of christ, ensure that goodness
permeates.
How do we live all?
Living christ-like I meanliving close to the word.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Yeah, I mean following the fruits of the
spirit.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
So yeah, I think my, my struggle is I like I get it
in my head and then I'm good fora while and then you know, I
don't know something, I'm notpaying attention, and then all
of a sudden I'm back to my oldsinful nature.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
You got to stay in it , yeah.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Not that it's evil, but I mean, it's just the things
we do and say that reallyaren't very God-like.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Right.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
So well, I don't know , greg, I know that you've done
this freedom group, I did thefreedom group, but I have seen
your self-confidence just shootthrough the roof.
Um, yeah, and, and this is alljust in a matter of months, and
you're just much more outgoing,and people have noticed these
(19:03):
changes in you and they'vementioned these changes to me
Really, so, yeah.
So I just want to say that I'mreally proud of you, thank you,
and you've taken a deep diveinto your faith in the last five
months, six months, whateverand what you're doing is showing
it's really showing.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
Yeah, well, thank you .
Speaker 1 (19:25):
Yeah, um, okay, so let's do our little wrap up with
takeaways.
Uh, so for forbearance, we needto pause and reflect, and when
faced with a frustratingsituation, I just take a moment
to say I have to step away fromthis situation right.
Take a moment.
I like to go to the bathroomand just hide and shut the door,
(19:50):
be to myself, take a moment tobreathe and then just consider a
calm response rather than thatreactive impulsivity, right?
So that's one takeaway therefor forbearance and then for
kindness.
Let's be kind to everyone, eventhose who are difficult or
unkind to you, and then,goodness, let's show kindness,
(20:14):
honesty and a genuine concernfor the people around us.
So they're really kind of basicthings.
It feels like these are thingsmaybe like a young child, before
they even get to ever get hurtor ever anything.
They're just like these goodlittle people, you know, because
(20:37):
there's just been no damage.
And anyway, it's one of thethings I think about.
So, I guess, call to action,email us at youarenotalone, at
debbieandgreggoldcom, and tellus what you want to hear us talk
about and how you might bestruggling right now.
(20:58):
We'd be happy to look at whatyour needs are and see if we can
help you out there for sure.
Secondly, follow us onInstagram, and that is at
youarenotalone, all spelled out,underscore gold, and again,
consider the listener support.
That would really help us out.
(21:22):
And just pray about that, and Iguess that is our show for today
.
Got anything else, greg?
I don't think so.
If you haven't already done so,go see our website,
debbieandgreggoldcom.
Subscribe there, follow us onInstagram, like I said earlier,
and then we'll see you back herenext week as we wrap up this
(21:45):
whole series on Fruit of theSpirit.
Thank you, god for this episodeand remember Jesus is always
with you.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
You are not alone.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
All right, we love you and have a great day.
Hello, this is Debbie and Greg Gold, and welcome to
the you Are Not Alone podcast,where we cover topics that will
help you navigate life, and, asChristians, we know that we
can't do it alone.
We need Jesus.
We encourage you to join us onthe journey that will help you
begin or deepen your walk withChrist, no matter where you are.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Welcome back to another episode of you Are Not
Alone with Debbie and Greg.
This week we're going tocontinue our discussion on the
fruit of the Spirit and if youremember the last episode, we
talked about the fruits love,joy and peace.
But first back to thehighlights of the week.
So what was yours?
Speaker 1 (00:41):
So what was yours?
Okay, so I know our lastepisode.
We were talking about prayerand being connected with God and
all that, and my friendMichelle and her grandson Ryder,
who's five and a half.
They listened to it I know hecorrected me, they listened to
(01:03):
it and, as the writer waslistening, he goes.
And again, I was talking aboutprayer and some other things on
how you stay close to Jesus, buthe goes.
I wrote this down because itwas the cutest thing.
She texted me.
(01:24):
Writer said to Michelle youhave to pray every day or you
will shrink, and then, when youpray, you grow.
And I was talking about how,with prayer, you grow in your
faith.
And so that was his um takeawayhis little interpretation of
that.
From that, it was just adorableno, that is really cute.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
so I love when kids think like that, so they don't
fully understand it, but theykind of morph their own way
about it.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
Exactly, and it really.
Then I went yeah, I mean yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
In a way.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
That's really it.
If you don't pray, you shrink,and if you pray, you grow.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Grow with your faith.
There you go.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
So I don't know if that helps, but yeah, and then
how?
About yours.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah, so mine was Chase's graduation.
So last Friday, was it lastFriday, mm-hmm?
Yeah, last Friday Vandegrifthad a huge graduation at the HEB
Center, because it was like,didn't you say, 655 kids.
It was either 600 or 700, butwhatever, at that point you
(02:29):
don't even it doesn't matter,but yeah, I mean it almost took
around two hours and, um, Ithink it was really interesting
seeing like someone chase hisold friends from like flag
football and stuff you know,walking across the stage.
We were like wait a minute.
I remember that name yeah, solike someone, they don't hang
out anymore but, they kind ofgrew up together and yeah one
stage of their lives or theywere like middle school together
(02:49):
or something like that and thento see the parents and, yeah,
it's pretty cool yeah, it wasgreat to see him walk across the
stage and, um it was, it waspacked.
I thought it was going to behalf full, but it was like a
completely full stadium.
So took up the whole yeah yeah,only downside is that me and
you were just freezing insidethere it was very cold it was
(03:09):
very cold because I mean it ispart-time ice rink too so yeah,
the hockey for the texas starsyeah, thank you so?
yeah it was really cool to seeall his friends walk the stage
and then get some good photosafterwards.
And he did a cool backflip andhis boots and jeans somehow
(03:30):
landed.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Yeah, Chase does this thing where he's usually in
tennis shoes and shorts, but hewill, from a standing position,
do a backflip.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
And this time he was in boots and jeans, and this
time he had jeans and boots on.
And his cap and gown.
And his cap and gown.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Yeah, maybe not the gown or the cap, but the gown.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
But the full outfit?
Yeah, he had a lot of baggagethere, exactly, and somehow he
made it so glad he did.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
Yeah, it was a pretty special night, for sure.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Mm-hmm.
So yeah, there's my highlightof the week, Okay.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
Well, we had some good stuff.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
All right.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
And on another note, we're looking to bring our
message to more and more people,and so we've added a listener
support option that is locatedat the bottom of all our show
notes, where you can donate tosupport us.
And by supporting us, you'rebeing the hands and feet of
Jesus.
And by supporting us, you'rebeing the hands and feet of
(04:25):
Jesus and your generosity willhelp us to help others come to
Christ and to continue to growin that relationship with him.
So God bless you for yourconsideration and I hope you
take a little bit of time topray about that.
For sure.
I think one of the things we'reworking on now is trying to get
our social media sort ofaligned.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
More out there.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
More yeah and need some support and looking for
someone that can help us do that, or we'll probably have to pay
somebody, and so that would bewhere that money would go to,
for sure.
All right, and so last week wesaid the holy spirit lives in us
, and the scripture we read wasgalatians 5, chapter 5, verses
(05:12):
13 through 24, and then welooked at the first three fruits
of the nine spirit, or thefirst three of the nine fruits
of the Spirit.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
There we go.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
And so, anyway, today we're going to look at fruits
four through six, but first wethought we'd break down the
scripture to help our listenersbetter understand it.
So let's go ahead and getstarted on that.
So if you are able to open aBible at this point, please
don't do that if you're driving.
And so we're going to startwith Galatians 5 and just verses
(05:48):
13 through 15.
And I'll go ahead and read that.
You, my brothers and sisters,were called to be free, but do
not use your freedom to indulgethe flesh.
Rather, serve one anotherhumbly in love, for the entire
law is fulfilled in keeping thisone command Love your neighbors
(06:08):
as yourself.
If you bite and devour oneanother, watch out or you will
be destroyed by each other.
I love that.
That just to me.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Love thy neighbor, one of my favorite verses in the
Bible?
Speaker 1 (06:24):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
I love that neighbor.
One of my favorite verses inthe bible so, yeah, exactly, I
love that.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Love that neighbor as yourself.
So so paul is the author ofgalatians, apostle paul, and in
the bible he frequently makes ita point to mention that
christian's life is a life ofliberty.
And this freedom is not alicense to indulge in the sinful
natures of ourselves, or theflesh, as we call it.
Instead, it's the opportunityto serve each other selflessly
(06:54):
and express love, reflecting theteachings of Christ.
True Christian liberty is foundin choosing to do what is right
and godly, not simply followingour fleshly impulses.
All right, and so then, movingon to Galatians 5, 16 through 18
(07:14):
.
So I say walk by the Spirit andyou will not gratify the
desires of the flesh.
The flesh desires what iscontrary to the spirit and the
spirit what is contrary to theflesh?
They are in conflict with eachother, so that you are not to do
whatever you want, but if youare led by the spirit, you are
(07:38):
not under the law.
So here we're being encouragedto walk by the spirit and not
according to our human desiresor impulses.
Yes, and that the spirit, theholy spirit, and our flesh is in
conflict with one anotherconstantly.
I always think of that.
Like you remember the, like thelittle cartoons maybe.
(08:00):
Maybe you don't but the angeland the devil on each other.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Yeah, exactly that's exactly what I think when I
process this.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
So, in other words, let's be sensitive, or mindful,
to the influence of the HolySpirit.
And because the flesh reallydesires the opposite of that and
we really have to it's so mucheasier to do what the flesh
wants to do right, and so wereally have to be mindful that
that Holy Spirit is in us and wehave other choices to make that
(08:30):
are more pleasing to God.
And you can always tell whensomeone is walking in the Spirit
, because they will act and theywill speak much like Jesus.
All right, and then, moving onto Galatians 5, 19 through 21.
So here we go.
We're going to compare the actsof the flesh versus the acts of
(08:51):
the spirit or the fruit of thespirit.
The acts of the flesh areobvious Sexual immortality,
impurities, debauchery.
Immortality, impurities,debauchery, idolatry and
witchcraft, hatred, discord,jealousy, fits of rage, selfish
(09:13):
ambition, dissension, factionsand envy, drunkenness, orgies
and the like.
And I warn you, as I did before, that's move on to verses 22
(09:34):
through 23.
It says joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness andself-control.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Oh, I like that part so much better.
Sounds way better.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
Yeah, so really, the takeaway here is that the fruit
of the Spirit is in us and it'sall that.
All these things that we talkabout are in us.
The goal is to keep our mindseton the fruit instead of living
our fleshly ways.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
All right.
Now we're going to look atfruits, four through six, which
are forbearance, kindness andgoodness.
So forbearance, often referredto as patience or long-suffering
in different Bible translations, is a profound quality that
speaks to the ability to endurechallenges, frustrations or
adversity with grace andcomposure.
(10:27):
This fruit of the spirit is notabout passive waiting, but an
active choice to exerciserestraint and maintain peace
even in the face of trials.
So let's talk about someforbearance and action.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Yeah, I just sorry.
I want to interject here, gofor it.
I feel I've had some trialstoday and I don't feel, I feel
like I let my fleshly self takerespond to those challenges.
And, you know, just sittinghere looking at it, I try to
process well, wait a minute,what could I have done
(11:01):
differently?
How could I have been living inthe fruit?
You know, where did I, um,where did I really drop the ball
?
Um, because, honestly, rightnow I'm just, you know, kind of
upset about it and had I beenliving more in the fruit of the
spirit, I would not be feelinghow I am right now.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Yeah, so let's talk about forbearance and action.
So this virtue enablesindividuals to bear the weight
of difficult moments withoutgiving into anger or despair.
It calls for patience whencircumstances are slow to
improve or when people test ourlimits.
Forbearance is the strengththat allows us to trust in God's
timing, knowing that his planis perfect even when it requires
(11:43):
waiting.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Yeah, that is.
That's like such a goodreminder for me, because it's
like, okay, I'm praying, I'm,you know, knowing there's stuff
coming.
I feel like the Holy Spirit hasspoken to me, but I'm like, how
much longer that's why theycall it faith.
Yeah, right, Exactly, and so,but remembering that his plan is
(12:07):
perfect even when we're waiting.
So yeah, it's always a bit of achallenge, right?
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Yeah, and then the fifth fruit is going to be
kindness.
So, kindness, the fifth fruitof the spirit, is a beautiful
attribute that reflects thecompassionate and tender heart
of God.
While seemingly simple, itoften requires intentional
effort and spiritual guidance toembody fully.
Kindness goes beyond morefriendliness it is an act of
(12:36):
concern and care for others,even when circumstances make it
challenging.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Yeah, circumstances make it challenging.
Yeah, I'm just uh when you talkabout kindness, I'm reminded of
um mom gold, your grandma, mystep step or my mom um
mother-in-law.
You know her phone calls.
She's just so caring and she'sconcerned she checks in on us.
Yeah, she does and she givesadvice and she'll say you know,
take it or leave it, andsometimes you know there's
(13:04):
financial gifts, um, but shejust clearly cares and puts
others first.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Yeah, she always puts others first.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
She just has this heart.
That's truly amazing.
And by the way, she's 90.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
But she truly is an example of the fifth fruit,
which is kindness.
Speaker 2 (13:23):
She's pure kindness.
She always looks out.
I mean she has three sons andshe always looks out for all of
them, always calls themconstantly, right.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
She's like.
I wish I could just see mygrandkids more.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
She's always saying that.
I know she's always trying tobook flights out here.
It's not going to work.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
You can't, they won't let you come.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Yeah, you're too old.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
She's like I want to.
I'm like I know, and it's likehow you doing honey, yeah, she's
sweet.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
She is so.
Kindness in action.
So to practice kindness is toextend grace, patience and
understanding to those around us, including those who may be
difficult or unkind.
It's about lifting others up,offering encouragement and
creating an atmosphere of warmthand acceptance.
True kindness often leads us toacts of generosity and
(14:11):
selflessness, reminding us ofthe unconditional love that God
has shown us.
And this fruit calls us to riseabove petty grievances and
human shortcomings,demonstrating instead the divine
love that resides within us.
Through kindness, we drawcloser to God and reflect his
character to the world, creatingspaces where healing,
(14:31):
connection and love can flourish, and I've experienced this
myself, and I'm sure you all cantoo and have to.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Yeah, it's funny how, when you go into that space of
just you know being kind andhelping you know others and
being generous and selfless thatit puts you into, you know a
godlike image and you feelreally good about yourself you
feel so much better yeah.
Yes, yeah, anyway, I waspondering a thought, but I think
(15:07):
I'm going to skip it.
Oh yeah, Anyway, um, I don't.
I was pondering a thought but Ithink I'm going to skip it.
Oh yeah, it's okay.
Um, the sixth fruit is goodness, and goodness it's like a
beacon of moral integrity andvirtue, and I love this because
I think it's so important to beliving a life of integrity,
(15:27):
always doing the right thing,because it is a reflection of
God's own nature within us.
And goodness calls us to liveout our faith authentically,
showing the kindness, thehonesty and the genuine concern
for others.
And when we practice goodness,we mirror God's love by being a
light in the lives of others.
(15:47):
And when we practice goodness,we mirror God's love by being a
light in the lives of others.
So, god, you know he needs usto step up and be that image
that he is and to demonstratethat and to show that and to do
even when it's not easy likethat is the hard part.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:01):
It is.
It's like when you got someonethat you're struggling to love
or someone that you're you knowfeel did you wrong, but that's,
that's in us and we can do it.
We just need to remember to todo it that way.
Mm hmm, greg, I have a questionfor you.
(16:24):
Can you share like an exampleof how practicing goodness has
drawn you closer to god anddeepen your relationship with
other people?
You can make that a two-partquestion or a one-part question,
yeah I mean, I always want tocheck up on my friends.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I always see how they're doing.
You know, um, honesty is a bigone for me too.
I always try to be honest ineverything I do.
Um, just being kind too.
You know you want to be as kindas possible, um, and then, yeah
, you said you want to make it atwo-part question maybe.
Um, how has it drawn me closerto god?
(17:01):
um, I, I think, just doing thosethings every day, and then
reading the word of God too, andthen also me joining that small
group a while back, the freedomgroup the freedom group and
then having that relationshipwith those guys and then just
checking in on each other too,cause, like we send each other
verses in the in the group chatevery like four to five days or
(17:22):
two days, we check up on eachother.
Yeah, scripture and we check upon each other.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
Little updates and stuff is that through text, or,
yeah, it's through a big groupchat that we have set up, nice,
so um.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
And then I've just been reading the bible a lot
more and then reading some otherbooks that are, you know,
supportive of that too yeahreading that jesus confidential
book too.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
That's really good so um sandy fourth sandy, fourth,
scythe fourth scythe fourthscythe yeah, um well, what do
you think about?
How can we, as followers ofchrist, ensure that goodness
permeates every aspect of ourlives?
What do you think about that?
How can we, as followers ofchrist, ensure that goodness
permeates every aspect of ourlives?
(18:05):
What do you think about that?
How?
Speaker 2 (18:06):
can we?
Speaker 1 (18:06):
as followers of christ, ensure that goodness
permeates.
How do we live all?
Living christ-like I meanliving close to the word.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Yeah, I mean following the fruits of the
spirit.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
So yeah, I think my, my struggle is I like I get it
in my head and then I'm good fora while and then you know, I
don't know something, I'm notpaying attention, and then all
of a sudden I'm back to my oldsinful nature.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
You got to stay in it , yeah.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Not that it's evil, but I mean, it's just the things
we do and say that reallyaren't very God-like.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Right.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
So well, I don't know , greg, I know that you've done
this freedom group, I did thefreedom group, but I have seen
your self-confidence just shootthrough the roof.
Um, yeah, and, and this is alljust in a matter of months, and
you're just much more outgoing,and people have noticed these
(19:03):
changes in you and they'vementioned these changes to me
Really, so, yeah.
So I just want to say that I'mreally proud of you, thank you,
and you've taken a deep diveinto your faith in the last five
months, six months, whateverand what you're doing is showing
it's really showing.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
Yeah, well, thank you .
Speaker 1 (19:25):
Yeah, um, okay, so let's do our little wrap up with
takeaways.
Uh, so for forbearance, we needto pause and reflect, and when
faced with a frustratingsituation, I just take a moment
to say I have to step away fromthis situation right.
Take a moment.
I like to go to the bathroomand just hide and shut the door,
(19:50):
be to myself, take a moment tobreathe and then just consider a
calm response rather than thatreactive impulsivity, right?
So that's one takeaway therefor forbearance and then for
kindness.
Let's be kind to everyone, eventhose who are difficult or
unkind to you, and then,goodness, let's show kindness,
(20:14):
honesty and a genuine concernfor the people around us.
So they're really kind of basicthings.
It feels like these are thingsmaybe like a young child, before
they even get to ever get hurtor ever anything.
They're just like these goodlittle people, you know, because
(20:37):
there's just been no damage.
And anyway, it's one of thethings I think about.
So, I guess, call to action,email us at youarenotalone, at
debbieandgreggoldcom, and tellus what you want to hear us talk
about and how you might bestruggling right now.
(20:58):
We'd be happy to look at whatyour needs are and see if we can
help you out there for sure.
Secondly, follow us onInstagram, and that is at
youarenotalone, all spelled out,underscore gold, and again,
consider the listener support.
That would really help us out.
(21:22):
And just pray about that, and Iguess that is our show for today
.
Got anything else, greg?
I don't think so.
If you haven't already done so,go see our website,
debbieandgreggoldcom.
Subscribe there, follow us onInstagram, like I said earlier,
and then we'll see you back herenext week as we wrap up this
(21:45):
whole series on Fruit of theSpirit.
Thank you, god for this episodeand remember Jesus is always
with you.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
You are not alone.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
All right, we love you and have a great day.
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
True Crime Tonight
If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com