Seek.

                                                   Love.
Joy.

Peace.

Patience.

Kindness.

Goodness.

Gentleness.

Faithfulness.

Self Control.

Do we really take into account how important these virtues are? 

They are the characteristics that are, quite literally, of the Spirit. 

Wouldn't that mean that they are a good start at what it looks like to live out a Christ-like life? 

Traits only grow when they are tested. 

I challenge you to live in a way that presents these characteristics.

When the Spirit lives in you, this is what you will exude.

They are the fruit of the Spirit. 

Joy: Try to go one day without complaining, gossiping, or dwelling on past mistakes that your Lord has already wiped clean. Live in the joy of the Lord. His joy surpasses anything this world has to offer.

Love: Give without the expectation of return or appreciation. Love simply because it's what you're commanded to do.

Peace: When conflict arises, address it. Calm your temper, gather your words, pray for wisdom, and resolve. Be careful to acknowledge what needs to be addressed though, and what can be overlooked.

Patience: Being annoyed is an option. We always act like it's a natural reaction, but it's not. It's a sinful reaction. Learn to accept people's little quirks. Who cares if it's not the way you would've done it? Or even if you know how to do it better. Just let it go. Accept people as they are, just like Christ accepts you. 

Kindness: Let every word that escapes your mouth be ones that are only good for uplifting and encouraging. Listen to your grandma. If it ain't nice, don't say it.

Goodness: Defined as 'moral excellence'. Your character and your integrity. That which makes you who you are.  Don't do things that you'd ever have to hide. What's the point when there is no hiding from God?

Gentleness: Have a calm spirit this week. The Spirit dwells in you. When feelings of turmoil rise up, know that you have hope to overcome. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

Faithfulness: If you say you're going to do something, do it. If you don't think you'll be able to do something, say you can't. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. Allow yourself to be seen as an accountable person.

Self-Control: Run from temptation. Live with diligence. Know that the Lord of all creation fought for you and won. This world has no power over you as long as you believe that you've been set free. It's one thing to say it, but another thing to believe it. You have been SET FREE. Free. Your chains are gone, and now you're FREE. Stop being a slave to a master who isn't yours. Follow the One who is leading you to safety.

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." 

Galatians 5:16