Ever wonder what it looks like to “walk by the Spirit”? Use this 12-day reading plan to learn about the Spirit’s fruit and how you can display it in your life!Julie Gossack
Day 1
Scriptures: Galatians 5:22-23, Proverbs 14:14, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 6:9
FAITHFULNESS
The word for “faithfulness” in Galatians 5:22 means to “win over” or “to persuade.” Faith, or faithfulness, as produced by the Holy Spirit, is a firm persuasion and conviction. It is a belief and confidence in the person of God and His revealed Word such that it brings forth holiness, obedience, and good works. Contrary to faithfulness are unbelief, disobedience, and ungodliness.
FAITHFULNESS in the heart says things such as: “I want to obey God even if it is difficult.” “I believe and trust in God even if I don’t understand my situation.” “I want to be diligent in all things.”
Day 2
Scriptures: Psalms 25:12-14, Psalms 31:19, Proverbs 1:7, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Hebrews 12:28-29
FEAR of GOD
To fear God means to revere, esteem, and respect Him. The fear of God includes the realization that God is so different from mankind that He is incomparable to anything our finite mind can comprehend. The fear of God is not a fear that causes us to run from Him, rather it is a reverence of His person so that it generates utter humility and love. To fear God is to have both awe and delight in His being so that it produces holiness, trust, obedience, and worship.
FEAR of God in the heart says things such as: “I want to obey God’s Word even if others do not.” “I want to trust in and put my hope in God.” “I love Him and want to worship Him with my life.”
Day 3
Scriptures: Romans 12:10-13, Romans 15:1-3, Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 6:9-10, Titus 3:8
GOODNESS
Goodness is an active expression of benevolence toward others that is produced by the Holy Spirit. It is a love that motivates us to serve others and help human need. Goodness is similar to kindness, but kindness is the heart attitude behind the good works whereas goodness is the act of good works. Goodness does manifest itself in gentle correction of others for their benefit. Contrary to demonstrating goodness is doing evil or harm.
GOODNESS in the heart says things such as: “I want to help human need.” “I want to serve others.” “I seek to do good works.”
Day 4
Scriptures: Proverbs 11:2, Isaiah 57:15, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Micah 6:8, Philippians 2:5-8, James 4:10
HUMILITY
Humility is an accurate esteeming of ourselves before God and man. It is the recognition of being unworthy to receive God’s grace and mercy. A humble person is characterized by acknowledging and confessing sin, as well as willing submission to the Word of God, God’s sovereign plans, and God-given human authority. Humility lays down any perceived rights, plans, or desires.
HUMILITY in the heart says things such as: “I am unworthy to receive God’s grace.” “I will submit my will to God’s Word and obey through His enabling grace.” “I acknowledge my sin before God and others.”
Day 5
Scriptures: Nehemiah 8:10, Psalms 9:2, Psalms 63:3-8, John 15:11, Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:4
JOY
Joy is a gladness of heart produced by the Holy Spirit. Joy permeates our disposition despite trial, heartache, or pain. It is an attitude of spirit that is fixed upon eternal glories and heavenly blessings so much that the sorrows of earth do not cause our soul to despair. A joyful heart is a thankful heart. Contrary to joy are despair, anxiety, anger, and envy.
JOY in the heart says things such as: “I will rejoice when others receive good.” “I will remember all God’s goodness on my behalf.” “I am content with God’s sovereign gifts.”
Day 6
Scriptures: Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 12:10-13, Ephesians 2:4-7, Colossians 3:12, 2 Peter 1:5-7
KINDNESS
Kindness is a pervasive spirit of gentleness and servanthood that is shaped and molded by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power. It is motivated by sincere love for others. Kindness is similar to goodness, but goodness is the act of good works whereas kindness is the heart attitude behind the good works. Contrary to kindness are anger, bitterness, selfishness, and pride.
KINDNESS in the heart says things such as: “I want to be useful to benefit others.” “I want to care for others.” “I do not want to be harsh, rough, or rude.”
Day 7
Scriptures: Proverbs 10:12, Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 22:37-40, Romans 12:9-10, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
LOVE
Love is a benevolence and goodwill toward others that is produced by the Holy Spirit. It is a deliberate affection and a friendly regard toward God and man that displays itself in purposeful acts of sacrifice and kindness. Contrary to love are anger, impatience, bitterness, and envy.
LOVE in the heart says things such as: “I want to love God by obeying His Word.” “I want to consider others’ interests.” “I will sacrifice for another’s benefit.”
Day 8
Scriptures: Psalms 37:11, Matthew 5:5, Galatians 5:22-23, James 1:21, James 3:13
MEEKNESS
Meekness, also translated “gentleness,” is primarily a response to God. It is a state of heart that not only acknowledges God’s sovereign rule but also embraces His sovereign rule as good. With meekness we do not blame God for undesirable circumstances, nor do we become angry with Him when we do not get our way.
MEEKNESS must come from the power of the Holy Spirit. Contrary to meekness are despair, anger, wrath, impatience, anxiety, fear, and envy.
Day 9
Scriptures: Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, James 5:7-10
PATIENCE
Patience, or long-suffering, is forbearance shown toward others. It is a merciful restraint produced by the Holy Spirit that does not retaliate or give way to anger. Patience is love for others that shows self-control, even when we are wronged. Contrary to patience are anger, wrath, pride, selfishness, and bitterness.
PATIENCE in the heart says things such as: “I will show kindness to others.” “I will not repay evil for evil.” “I will forgive.”
Day 10
Scriptures: Psalms 4:8, Isaiah 26:3, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:6-9, Hebrews 12:14
PEACE
Peace is a contented state of heart produced by the Holy Spirit. It is a tranquility of being that is not dependent upon our external circumstances. Peace embraces the very goodness of God in every situation and demonstrates a spirit of thankfulness and rest. Contrary to peace are anxiety, fear, envy, anger, and despair.
PEACE in the heart says things such as: “I am at rest because of God’s promises.” “I trust His provision for me.” “I will fix my eyes upon Jesus and not my circumstances.”
Day 11
Scriptures: Proverbs 25:28, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8, Titus 2:11-12, 2 Peter 1:5-9
SELF-CONTROL
Self-control, which is often translated “sober”, is a sober-mindedness that gives thought before acting. Self-control, which is produced by the Holy Spirit, gives way to righteous desires rather than sinful desires. Having self-control is looking to future and eternal realities rather than indulging our immediate sinful impulses.
SELF-CONTROL in the heart says things such as: “I will give thoughts before I act.” “I will refrain from using my body to sin.” “I will deny myself.”
Day 12
Scriptures: Psalms 100:1-5, Jonah 2:9, Ephesians 5:3-4, Philippians 4:11-13, Colossians 2:6-7, Colossians 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
THANKFULNESS
Thankfulness is a contented state of heart that expresses itself in words of praise and gratitude. It is a humble love offering to God that does not demand any perceived rights. A thankful heart is overwhelmed by the gracious gifts that flow from the mercy and goodness of God. Contrary to thankfulness are anxiety, selfishness, greed, envy, and pride.
THANKFULNESS in the heart says things such as: “I will give thanks in all things.” “I will not grumble or complain.” “I am joyful and content.”
