Kristen Grossman Prose

Fruit of the Spirit: Producing Bounty in Barren Seasons

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22

I have always avoided watching the movie The Passion of the Christ. I am so grateful for the precious gift of salvation purchased for me through Christ’s death. However, the thought of the cruelty and agony of Jesus’ journey to the cross fills me with anguish. Therefore, it was with a sick feeling in my stomach that I sat down to watch this movie with my family on Good Friday.

I must confess I watched most of the movie with my eyes shut, longing for earplugs. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for the King of Kings to willingly put up with so much abuse, knowing with every lash of the whip, every taunting word, the power that was at his disposal to bring his suffering to an end and prove his lordship. Yet, he bore it all. For me. For you.

I suspect I am not alone in preferring the joy and triumph that comes on Easter Sunday to the betrayal and pain of Good Friday. When considering the joy of the resurrection that follows the darkness of the crucifixion, I especially relate to the disciple Peter.

I picture Peter crushed and broken, his mind rehashing the events of the night when, as Jesus predicted, he denied knowing his Lord and friend not once but three times. Then, my heart leaps to imagine the joy he felt when his resurrected Lord and Savior revealed Himself. Oh, what a sweet and gracious Lord we serve as seen when Jesus redeemed not only Peter’s soul but his joy and self-respect. The resurrected King asked Peter three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Therefore, three times Peter was able to answer, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,” as he received Christ’s commission to “feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-19)

I am so grateful that the darkness of the crucifixion culminates in the joy and beauty of the resurrection. The resurrection is the most profound and meaningful example of the radiance of dawn overtaking the darkness of night.

“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NIV)

There are many times on this earth when we may find ourselves in a season of darkness. Praise the Lord; we do not need to endure these seasons alone. Instead, we can cling to our Savior. Our God is not remote and unfeeling. Having Himself borne the ultimate torment, He feels our pain. When we hold on to Him in faith, we have hope, strength, and joy.

Dear Lord, I thank You for Your amazing gift of salvation. I thank you for the joy that comes from knowing You and clinging to You, even in dark seasons. May I reflect Your joy in my life today. Amen.

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