Being more like Jesus | News, Sports, Jobs – The Sentinel – Lewistown Sentinel

As we delve deeper into the message and essence of Jesus, our thoughts, values, and actions will increasingly align with his teachings. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us brings about transformative change, visible to others, akin to how a plant’s tendrils break through the seed’s outer coat and impact its surroundings. In Galatians, chapter 5, the “fruits of the Spirit” encompass virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities naturally manifest in those who immerse themselves in Christ’s words.

In the book “Move: What 1,000 Churches Reveal About Spiritual Growth” by Greg Hawkins and Cally Parkinson, extensive research conducted with 1,000 churches and over 250,000 respondents from various denominations highlighted a crucial factor contributing to a believer’s spiritual growth: reflecting on God’s word. This active engagement with Scripture goes beyond mere listening and leads to a genuine understanding of the message.

The fruitful life is dynamic and never marked by complacency or apathy. Those who grasp the essence of Jesus’ teachings and apply them in their lives demonstrate evident spiritual growth.