Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #19 — Spiritual Fruits

Picture: Counsel #19 — Spiritual Fruits CI 119.1

What makes a woman truly beautiful? By worldly standards, it’s her wardrobe, makeup, or social media presence, but by God’s standards, it’s the consistent strength and steady glow of God’s Spirit within her. CI 119.2

Femininity, at its most foundational level, is based on character. Think of the single mom who’s exhausted but still chooses patience with her children, or the teenage girl who doesn’t clap back online when someone says something insensitive. Good character can also be seen in the working woman who faithfully prays over her family, wisely stewards her family’s finances, and maintains a peaceful tone in the home. Or see the college student seeking God’s wisdom before starting her school day, whose peers look to her for counsel because of her quiet strength and steady character. These examples reveal the kind of femininity that reflects Christ. This world may applaud curated beauty, but God values fruit that lasts. A woman who grows in the Spirit will naturally stand out, not because she’s flashy, but because she’s steady in resembling the character of Christ. In chaos, she will always bring peace, and amid drama, she’ll never fail to offer love.^[120] CI 119.3

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22, 23 NIV CI 119.4

“As you receive the Spirit of Christ, ... you will grow and bring forth fruit.” Ellen White in Lift Him Up, p. 274 CI 119.5

Reflect: Out of all the fruits of the spirit, which one(s) do you currently struggle with implementing? CI 119.6