But the fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness,

           and self-control;

against such things

    there is no law.

            Galatians 5. 22-23

(Not just a familiar list of nice attributes

               to rattle off,

but life-transforming

      and countercultural tools in our toolbox

that empower believers

           to respond and live differently.

How do we approach the difficult,

          messy, hurtful and hard

   with a different heart?

        Choose as much fruit as applies.

The fruit of the Spirit

        is always in season,

        life-changing,

and with no expiration date.)

O LORD,

It is not what we do or achieve,

but the fruit of Your Spirit

    alters our choices

    and abundantly blesses the lives of others,

even in unexpected times,

             unlikely places,

   and in ways unforeseen.

Please show us Your way in this.

And align our hearts with Yours.