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The Lord created us to be holy, and our bodies serve as temples for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
As such, we belong to the Lord (Psalm 24:1), as the Holy Spirit dwells within us, making our bodies the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The foundation of the Lord's Church is built upon those who are faithful and gathered in the name of Jesus Christ. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).
Through the Word (John 1), Christ continues to guide us closer to the Lord.
Jesus Christ helps us connect more deeply with the Holy Spirit within us, facilitating a greater understanding of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
The nine fruits are:
Love (or charity): A selfless, sacrificial love for others that reflects God's character.
Joy: A deep, inner contentment and gladness that is not dependent on external circumstances.
Peace: An inner tranquility and harmony with God and others, even amidst life's challenges.
Patience (or forbearance/longsuffering): The ability to endure difficult situations and people without becoming angry or upset.
Kindness: A benevolent and gentle disposition toward others, expressed through thoughtful and generous actions.
Goodness (or holiness): Moral excellence and integrity demonstrated through actively doing what is right and just.
Faithfulness (or faith): Loyalty, reliability, and trustworthiness in one's commitments to God and others.
Gentleness (or meekness): A humble attitude and controlled strength, responding with grace rather than anger in conflict.
Self-control (or temperance): The discipline to manage one's impulses and desires to live wisely and responsibly.
These virtues work together to form the way to receive the light of the world (John 8:12) and be that light (Matthew 5:14-16).
We are to use our little light in service of the Lord and in stewardship of humanity and the earth (Genesis 2:15).
We are also to use the light and Christ's guidance to grow into a more fully realized individual in fellowship with the Lord.
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