I received a copy of Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness from IVP. Christopher Wright, international ministries director of the Langham Partnership, is the author.
Having received this just before Lent, it is a marvelous book for reflection in Lent. Taking each “fruit of the Spirit” from Galatians 5, Smith leads the reader on a chapter by chapter reflection of each particular aspect listed by Paul in Galatians 5. Wright studies the character of God and Christ in each fruit mentioned. It’s not just a “how to” manual.
The other aspect of this book that is a deepening experience are the questions for reflection at the end of each chapter along with a web address to go to for further video lessons/reflections.
Wright puts in great little reminders of each fruit that sometimes we may forget.
In his chapter on love, for instance, he illustrates the practical aspects of love through a story of reconciliation from Rwanda during the horrifying genocides in 1994.
He reminds us that “joy is having a feast.”
There are some practical and powerful suggestions for cultivating peace in our lives.
We shouldn’t jump to defend ourselves when things are said or done against us, but allow God to vindicate the truth in his own time.
Through each chapter he unfolds the power of each word, demonstrating the character of God throughout Scripture.
His chapter on “gentleness” is a great reminder of how God touches people in the Old and New Testaments. There are those moments where the refreshing touch of God renews us.
This book is a gentle read where each chapter should be taken into meditation for at least a day or two before moving to the next one.
IVP sent me this book and I am under no obligation to give a “positive” review.
Apprentice 2 Jesus 