Greenlaw Baptist

"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."  Galatians 5:22-23

What a Christian Looks Like . . .

As I entered Greenlaw Baptist I felt a sense of peace.  The congregation welcomed me in with a warmness surpassing the other churches I have attended thus far.  Let me describe the welcome so you understand what I mean. A typical welcome at the churches I have visited so far is a firm handshake from a greeter or two and a bulletin. Conversely, at Greenlaw I was greeted and warmly welcomed not only by the greeters but by everyone that I made eye contact with. Later in the service, during another typical church ritual of greeting someone before you sit down for the sermon, (which is often lost in most churches with a insincere hand shake an apparent sense of duty) I was greeted with warm smiles and at least three people grabbed  my hand to "warm it up for me".   My hands were a little cold today.

I sat in the last row (as usual) and felt like I was surrounded by a very kind and loving congregation. From reading the weekly activities in the bulletin and listening to the pastor's sermon I discovered that this church is encouraged to allow the Holy Spirit to produce fruit in their lives.  I don't know about you but I would like to attend a church full of loving, kind, gentle, patient, and faithful people. Surely, I would like others to think of me in the same way.

I was encouraged in my faith this week and challenged to walk the same way.  I ask myself and encourage you to reflect: Am I doing my part at my church to ensure that our visitors feel the same way?  Are the fruit of the spirit apparent in my own life?   Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell in me and use me as he wills?  I teach it in Sunday School but am I living it?

Continue to pray for Greenlaw Baptist pray that they step out in faith and use that kindness to further God's kingdom.