Finding Peace and Happiness in Life

“But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) These nine attributes of a life lived in Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, aids us in our personal growth through life and lays a foundation for a happy and peaceful life.

Welcome back to my blog. The Fruit of the Spirit is an expression of God’s transformative work in our lives (not of our own efforts). At their root/truest expression, they may appear unachievable, but when we walk in the Spirit, we live a life that depends on its power, producing God’s eminence in us. Let’s break the nine attributes down, understand their meaning, assess some of challenges and have a look at how we can potentially navigate them.

Love – We are called to love one another (John 13:34). Love is depicted throughout scripture as pure, selfless, and self-sacrificing. It seeks the best always for all, even our enemies.

I remember a few years ago being really hurt by the betrayal of some people in my life. While it was clear that their own shortcomings and insecurities led them to betray us, my hurt and state of shock were very much real. I struggled with it at the beginning because of all the love and kindness my home had wrapped them with. But the more I thought about it in its early days, the more it made sense. I should have seen it coming. They surrounded themselves with people with very low self-perception, constantly gossiping and hated anything/one they inwardly desired and/or wanted to be. “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20). I remember advising this individual of her surroundings and warned her to be careful of who she called a friend. The friends in our lives carry a lot of power/influence. She heard me out, the gratitude in her eyes was apparent, I recall her words, “I know, you are right, BUT we don’t want to be alone in life. They are our same age, and we can do life together.” In my heart I knew that our season together was soon to come to an end, but it didn’t stop it from hurting me because of the love I had for her and her home. As much as I comprehended it intellectually, my heart could not make sense of why anyone would willingly turn from love and surround themselves with such negativity. With time, while I accepted that it takes an insurmountable amount of courage to keep righteous and came to admit that courage was not a part of their makeup, I was still hurt and angry. I had a hard time forgiving. It wasn’t long before all my feelings started to weigh so heavy on me. I could feel it taking a toll on my spirit. As the months went by, I prayed about it daily, my heart became hardened. I asked God to open my heart. During that timeframe, someone else in that circle who had also caused a lot of disruption was facing one of life’s trials, watching a loved one deteriorate, it broke my heart. While the world said she didn’t deserve my compassion, my heart told me to reach out, comfort and love her, so I did. I exchanged words of comfort, prayer, genuine love, and support, almost daily. The more I wholeheartedly prayed for her and supported her the more of an unexplainable shift I felt internally. It was evident, I was going through a healing process that I did not recognize at the time, God’s peace and love was at work within me. During those days my family and I were asked to attend a celebration that would include the presence of some of them. The day finally arrived and at one point during the celebration, I could hear some of them gossiping about people and things they should have been grateful for. My heart hurt for the people they were gossiping about, the very people who had betrayed us. If they could only understand what they had just opened their own doors to, I thought to myself, but that battle was no longer mine to carry. I clearly heard God’s voice, “I know the plans I have for you, it is time to set yourself free.” I walked away thanking God and remembered the words I often share with others, “Watch what you ask for in life, what people are willing to do with you, they are willing to do to you.” Loving everyone, all the time is not easy, especially when they hurt us but if we are intentional and committed to our walk with the Lord, we come to renew our mind and free ourselves from the enemy’s stronghold. Luke 6:35 says, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Joy – A life of joy is a life walked with the Holy Spirit agnostic of the troubles we face in the world. When we keep steadfast in praise, surrender a heart full of gratitude, keep our eyes on our blessings and His teachings, we will witness God ultimately bring justice and provide for those who follow His ways. (Psalm 37:1-3)

I remember the early days of the betrayal, hearing of all our enemies getting together, I was so hurt. I realize today that I was wrestling with God and practically begging to be a part of that circle, while God was working, wanting to set me free. Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Sometimes we have to let go and let God.

Peace – In this world we will have trouble. There are times we can’t make sense of what, why, and who things happen to, but when we trust in God we come to know a peace that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:5-7). Peace is not derived from the happenings around us, it is derived from the Spirit within us.

Forbearance/Patience – When we humble ourselves and remain gentle; when we bear with one another in love and continue to hope in all things, endure all things no matter the tribulations, God’s voice will guide us, and His love will shield us. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Kindness - There is no better cure for a broken heart than to help others, even our enemies, and serve while we wait on God. Acts 20:35, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Seek opportunities to do for others that are in need. Don’t withhold your kindness.

Goodness – Let us live our lives with good morals and motives. In a world that can be so cruel and unforgiving it can be hard to repay evil with goodness. However, when we do, we learn that if we are intentional in making this stretch, we come to pour healing onto our own souls. 1 Peter 3:9 reads, “Don't repay evil for evil…” 

Faithfulness - It is hard to remain obedient and faithful under trial but when we stand the test, we will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When we leave vengeance to God (Romans 12:19-21) and focus on pouring seeds of goodness in our own life’s journey, we will reap the rewards of our sowing. (Galatians 6:7)

Gentleness - Philippians 4:5, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” The ‘enemy” I helped came to appreciate the love and support whole heartedly and apologized after many, many years of persecution.

Self-control – When we walk with the Holy Spirit, His grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly temptations, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives. (Titus 2:11-12)

So, how do we get here? How do we live a life of such high moral integrity with everything life throws at us? Living this life takes intentionality, commitment, and sacrifice. Let’s take this journey together. Click HERE - FOR A FREE INTRODUCTORY CALL for a free introductory call. Click HERE FOR MY WEBSITE

Blessings from your life coach and friend, 

Isabel Plasencia