Paul writes, “We know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that God has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
I remember receiving the gifts of the spirit through a gift from my dear friend Rachel after the birth of my first child. It came as a powerful force.
The first week after the birth was joyful but hellish time with mental health unravelling. Day 7 we travelled back from a metropolitan mother child mental health hospital relieved but apprehensive to be home. We were meet with a gift left at the doorstep from Rachel. I unwrapped it to discover a mobile she had made of the fruit of the spirit. A powerful presence washed over me, and I felt refreshed, encouraged and enlivened by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I haven’t known any gift since that has come with such a powerful force. Ω
Reflect: When has a gift struck you with power? When has a gift encouraged and refreshed you?
What is this? Lent is the 40 days, excluding Sundays, before Easter. Traditionally it is a time of reflection and pilgrimage. To help you on this journey, Sanctuary has put together 40 stories from people both within and beyond the congregation, with associated questions for reflection and prayer. A reading will be uploaded every day of Lent. This year’s theme is Fruit of the Spirit. Why? Read this. #Lent2022. Real People, Real Stories: 40 Readings for Lent © Sanctuary, 2022.
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