Learned Obedience

"Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered..."

Hebrews 5:8

I just found this verse so encouraging yesterday.  It might seem like a sad thing to take encouragement from...but I felt it was a good reminder that whatever we have been through, are going through, or will eventually go through - Jesus knows what it's like.  When we pray through our circumstance, we have a God who can not only say "been there, done that"...but He can offer us loving arms to take shelter in, and the hope to endure.  Through our endurance, we learn obedience to the One who promises our salvation.

Sweet Fruit

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

I guess it makes sense that these are called the "fruit" of the spirit...not the "vegetables".  :)  The biggest thing that stands out from this verse for me is that absolutely ZERO of these characteristics come naturally to me all of the time.  It's only when I tap into the Vine, can my little branch bear any/all fruit.  And, when I do, God not only uses the Spirit to change me from the inside out - He is able to change others.