Sexual sin and immorality: what is it? What is it's high cost? Is there redemption?

Sexuality is powerful and the nature of sexual intimacy is progressive. Sex is a deeply intimate act with one’s own body and another. The longer a couple lets each other be physically affectionate, the harder it becomes to resist temptation to proceed further. Once again I chose a difficult topic to discuss in my blog. I struggled with the amount of information and trying to organize it in a way that made sense. It took awhile to get the right words down in a way that was truthful and yet encouraging to those who may struggle with sexual sin. I wasn’t sure I would even write this one, let alone post it; however, I feel it is too important not to and my prayer that readers will have their eyes opened and turn to Jesus for guidance and forgiveness. What is sexual immorality? What is the high cost of sexual sin? Is there redemption if you are in sexual sin? 

Wherever we look, sex is everywhere. It is in our media. It is in our music, our television and movies. It is online. Sexual content has never been more accessible and available to us at the click of a button. Sexual immorality is any sexual activity outside of the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman. Any sexual contact including adultery and premarital and extramarital sex. Hebrews 13:4 says that marriage should be honored and the marriage bed kept pure. Biblically, sex is more than just the physical act, it is a connection of two souls. Two shall become one (Genesis 2:24). Any sex outside of a husband and wife is dishonorable in God’s eyes. When can a couple be considered married? The Bible isn’t clear about the exact requirements. Although traditions were developed that marriage is created through a religious ceremony. In modern terms, it is the legal documentation and a ceremony of some kind. Another question that may be on most Christian couples minds: can there be sexual immorality within marriage? There are some Christian leaders who would teach the prohibition of certain sexual acts and positions. However, I believe each couple should bring their questions before God and seek His guidance. If there is any doubt in their minds, then it should be prohibited for them.

There are people who believe there is nothing wrong with sleeping with whomever you want, whenever you want. The higher your body count the better. However, there is a high cost to sexual sin. Sex is everywhere. It would be difficult to go about our day and not see it, think about it or be exposed to it. 1 Corinthians 6:12 tells us that just because things are lawful doesn’t mean it is helpful. Alcohol and tobacco are legal but are harmful to your bodies. In the same way, just because sex outside marriage isn’t illegal, doesn’t mean it doesn’t harm us in some way (Proverbs 7:22-23). Sexual sin is a sin against the self. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” It always hurts someone with a broken trust and deep emotional wounds that are difficult to repair. It can physically harm our bodies through diseases and infections. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, in 2021 the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia were at an all time high in the US (more than 2.5 million). These infections can lead to other health issues including pelvic inflammatory disease, HIV, certain cancers and infertility. Therefore, the high cost of sexual sin isn’t just spiritual. It is emotional. It is physical. And it can be even socially. 

Is there redemption? Yes, there is. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists the sins that we can commit that we cannot inherit the kingdom of God, including sexual immorality, adulterers, prostitutes and homosexual offenders. However, he continues in verse 11, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” When we come to Jesus in repentance, those sins can be wiped away and we can be made clean and whole again. 1 John 1:9 tells us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When we admit our sins, we acknowledge that our acts were sinful and we need to turn from it and rely on Him to overcome it. It takes a great deal of humility to admit we are wrong and need help. There are ways to overcome sexual sin. First, remember your true identity as an adopted child of God (Romans 8:14-17) and focus on Him. Second, never let your guard down. 1 Peter 4:8 says “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” Third, when you are tempted - RUN (1 Corinthians 6:18).

In conclusion, the Bible is clear about sex. From the beginning, God designed and intended sex to be between a man and a woman who entered the covenant of marriage. Jesus would confirm this design when he condemned divorce. The proper context for sexual activity is within a marriage and all conduct outside of marriage is prohibited. Sexuality is powerful and an intimacy that is clearly meant to be expressed between a man and a woman who are fully committed to each other in marriage. Sexual sin harms ourselves as well as others with a wide range of possible consequences in all areas of life. However, you can be forgiven and leave sexual immorality behind to find new purpose, meaning and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It is not an easy path, but there is hope. I pray this information is helpful and those who are in sexual sin that you find the strength to turn away from it and turn toward Jesus. 

 

For She is Wrath: an romantic fantasy reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo

For She is Wrath by Emily Vega is a romantic fantasy retelling of the classic The Count of Monte Cristo (1846) as one Pakistani girl seeks revenge against those who betrayed her including Mazin, the boy she once loved. Framed for a crime she didn’t commit, Dania spent three hundred and sixty four days in prison plotting her revenge. When Noor, a fellow prisoner, has a plan to escape and a way to put Dania’s plan into action, they team up. Armed with dark djinn magic and a new identity, Dania puts her revenge into action. One by one, she brings down those who betrayed her. What she didn’t expect was that her feelings for Mazin still burned bright. As her game for vengeance intensifies, Dania is at risk of losing herself and her heart to the only boy she ever loved. Can she find her revenge without losing her humanity? 

I’m not a huge fan of romantic fantasy and retelling of classic novels can be hit and miss; however, I was intrigued by the premise and its gorgeous cover. I love The Count of Monte Cristo and it is a novel you don’t usually see reimagined. I was still a bit skeptical if this story could live up to the classical story. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I could see the elements of the classic novel in For She is Wrath; however, it has its own elements which make it a fast paced, action packed adventure. Dania is a woman consumed with revenge and yet she can’t help her connection to Mazin. She soon realizes that the plot against her, as Edmond Dantes does, wasn’t all she thought it was. I was hooked and could not put it down. I highly, highly recommend For She is Wrath. 

For She is Wrath will be available October 29, 2024 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Gather Me: a memoir about life and the power of books to inspire and comfort

Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books that Saved Me by Glory Edim is an inspiring memoir reflecting on family, community and the power of books and the impact they can have in our lives. Edim grew up in Virginia to Nigerian immigrant parents and for the longest time her only friends, her only solace as in the books. From the books she read in school to the classics she discovered at her local libraries and while in college, she learned about the world around her, about history and about herself. Edim details how the profound writers from Toni Morrison to Maya Angelou, and many more, had impacted the times in her life when times were bleak and gave her hope for the future. Through her love of reading, she was able to form the Well Read Black Girl Book Club and reach millions of other readers. 

Books have been a huge part of my life since I was a teen. Like Ms Edim, I found solace and encouragement in the perseverance and resilience of the characters who faced challenges with courage and determination. Glory Edim presents a memoir that books can help us see ourselves as well as others. Her life story is just as much of an inspiration as the books she read as a child. She endured her parents divorce, her father leaving the family behind in America and her mother’s illness to find a platform through books and bring awareness on a wider scale. The hardships she had to endure were heartbreaking and yet her determination to rise above them is heartwarming. Gather Me was an easy read as Ms Edim writes with as much beauty as the authors she admires. Overall, I enjoyed her story and I highly recommend Gather Me. 

Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books that Saved Me 

Will be available October 29, 2024 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Finding Comfort: when you find the love you don't think you deserve

Finding Comfort is the first book in The Last Shot Tavern series by Amber Warden. Celia is done with romance after returning to her hometown, the last place she wants to be, only to be broken and betrayed. She agrees to stay with one of her cousin Malcolm’s best friend’s condo while she gets back on her feet. Trenton is understanding, kind and is certainly not interested in a relationship other than friendship. He has already loved and lost and is determined to keep a promise to his late wife. However, once Trenton sees that despite Celia’s strong demeanor, she is deeply hurting, which brings out his protective side. After a run-in with Celia’s ex, Trenton can’t resist showing Celia how special she is; however, it ignites a fire that neither of them can ignore. Will they take the chance on love or will they allow their pasts keep them from it? 

Amber Warden is a new author to me and Finding Comfort is my first book by her. Ms Warden includes warning notes about the content of the story, situations that some readers may not want to read about. I was intrigued as painful pasts are a part of life. The story started off slow and I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue. However, I kept reading and I am so glad that I did. Celia and Trenton’s story was filled with angsty pasts, hard hitting emotions and hard life lessons. I cried as I read Celia’s past wounds and I cried as Trenton truly came to terms as what his promise to his late wife really means. I wasn’t even finished with the book before I added the rest of the series to my wish list. I can’t wait to read the stories of the other characters. I highly, highly recommend Finding Comfort. 

Finding Comfort is available in paperback and eBook

Bandit Heaven: the true story of the infamous hangout of the Wild West

Bandit Heaven: The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang and the Final Chapter of the Wild West by Tom Clavin is a thrilling true story of an infamous hangout for bandits, thieves and murderers of the Wild West and the lawmen who pursued them. Known collectively as “Bandit Heaven,” Robbers Roost, Brown’s Hole and Hole in the Wall were remote locations in Wyoming and Utah that harbored the dangerous men of the 1880s and 1890s. The most famous of these bandits were the gregarious Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the silent sidekick. Everyone knows the famous 1969 film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, but who were the real Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid? As many outlaws of the time would be dead by the turn of the 20th century, only Cassidy and Sundance escaped to meet their infamous end in South America. 

Whenever I see Tom Clavin’s name on a book cover, I know it will be a detailed and engaging historical account of a time and place long forgotten and even romanticized through Hollywood. The actual Wild West only lasted approximately 30 years; however, it is a time most talked about and fantasized about especially in literature and on the big screen. Cowboys on the range and the outlaws who terrorized it. Bandit Heaven is a thrilling read, opening with a terrifying train robbery, then taking readers back in time to set up the characters. Where did these men come from? What brought them on the path of infamy? And who were the men who pursued them? Bandit Heaven is filled with action that will pull readers in and learn fact from fiction and legends. I highly, highly recommend Bandit Heaven. 

Bandit Heaven: The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang and the Final Chapter of the Wild West 

is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Blessings on State Street: the healing magic of Christmas

Blessings on State Street is the first book in the Blessings Bay series by Rachael Bloome. Abigail Preston wants nothing to do with Christmas. Since her husband’s tragic death, she cannot face another holiday without him. When she discovers that her late husband owned a waterfront home in Blessings Bay, she realizes it’s the perfect hideout that she needs. Little does she know that her life is about to change. Former US Air Force pilot Logan Matthews has lived as a caretaker for his friend’s property after his medical discharge. Left brokenhearted after his fiancée broke off their engagement, he settles into a reclusive life. Abigail and Logan agree to be roommates for the duration of Abigail’s stay with two conditions: stay out of each other’s way and no celebrating Christmas. When a chance encounter with a little boy, Logan and Abigail find their agreement harder and harder to uphold. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Rachael Bloome’s Poppy Creek series and when I heard she had a new series, I jumped at the chance to read it. Blessings on State Street is so sweet with lots of smiles and fun encounters with the quirky residents of Blessings Bay. It also is filled with tears and emotional moments as Abigail and Logan open up about their painful pasts and current struggles. I also loved the residents who interact with Abigail and show her the true magic of a small town. It was a quick read as I was pulled into the story. I could not put it down! After I finished this book, I immediately added the next books in the series to my wish list and I can’t wait to read them. If you enjoy small towns, chance encounters, romance and the healing magic of Christmas, I highly, highly recommend Blessings on State Street. 

Blessings on State Street is available in paperback and eBook

Oops, I Kissed Him Again: a quick small town romance

Oops, I Kissed Him Again is the first book in the Maple Creek Romantic Comedy series by Cindy Ray Hall. When Chief of Police Will Vance pulls over the sassy Layla for speeding again, he didn't expect her to kiss him and announce their engagement. He also wasn’t expecting the fireworks he felt in the kiss. Neither did Layla. She is determined to keep her matchmaking mother off her back that she creates a fake relationship with Will and begs him to play along for now. With a string of robberies terrorizing the businesses in town which hits closer to home when Layla’s flower shop is hit. Adding to Layla’s troubles is that the creepy guy will not leave Layla alone. Will her impulsive kiss and fake relationship backfire? 

With a title like Oops, I Kissed Him Again, I expected a fun, cute and witty romance. However, from the opening page to the final chapter, I was confused. Layla is completely unlikeable and acted like an uncaring teen despite being a business owner in town. I saw who was behind the robberies in town from a mile away. It is very short, about nine chapters. It is certainly not enough time to establish and develop the characters, the conflict and the resolution. It all happened so fast that I closed the book with dissatisfaction. I did not care for Layla, for Will or their romance. The mystery was lackluster. I did not enjoy this story and I will not continue this series, I do not recommend Oops, I Kissed Him Again. 

Oops, I Kissed Him Again is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Wish in the Wind: a fresh start in a town known for granting wishes

A Wish in the Wind by Kay Bratt is the seventeen book in The Wishing Tree series. In the small town of Linden Falls, there stands a tree with wishes tied to its branches. Through magic, divine providence or a random act of kindness wishes are granted. Hunter Glen and his daughter, Ava, recently moved to town for a fresh start. One day, Ava insists on placing a wish on the tree, as he reaches to tie the wish, a gust of wind carries it away and out of sight. Nicole is a long term resident of Linden Falls who is looking to the new year as life changing. As she works as a waitress at the Crooked Porch restaurant, a slip of paper falls from the sky onto her tray. The simple message gives her the idea that fate isn’t done with her just yet. 

I love The Wishing Tree series and when the group of authors announced new books in the series, I was super excited. A Wish in the Wind is the final book of this new wave of books. It is a quick, fun read with great moments of hope and magic. I loved Hunter as a newly single father left blindsided following his sudden divorce and worrying about providing his daughter with everything she needs. I loved Nicole as a person full of hope for the future. As they keep crossing paths, even for a small town, something seems to bring them together. Readers do not need to read the entire series in order to enjoy this book. Although I highly recommend reading the entire series. It is an uplifting series full of hope, magic and wishes. I highly recommend A Wish in the Wind. 

A Wish in the Wind will be available in eBook on October 17, 2024

Forever With You: a clean, sweet romance

Forever With You is the prequel novella to the San Diego Marines series by Jess Mastorakos. After being left at the altar, Sara comes home to San Diego to help run her parent’s bookstore. She has sworn off love but when she meets Sergeant Vince Moore, the handsome Marine recruiter, who works next door, her heart begins to soften. Vince had been struck by Sara from the moment they met, knowing she has been hurt, he is determined to show her that he is trustworthy and reliable. First, they must navigate the long hours and broken promises that come with the territory of a Marine recruiter. Can their new relationship survive the demands of the Marine Corps? Can Sara put her past hurts behind her and see Vince as the right man for her? 

I love books about the military. Whether it be historical, romance or general fiction, if it has a military man, I’m intrigued. I loved this quick, engaging read from Jess Mastorakos. It was a sweet, clean romance. I enjoyed Sara as she is battling heartbreak and just trying to live her life, convinced that she doesn’t need love. I loved Vince who is honorable and drawn to Sara. Their first meeting was funny and every encounter after is sweet and endearing. Even the few moments of misunderstanding were expected with the discussions and explanations afterward were realistic. I enjoyed the set up for future books. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy clean romance with military men, I recommend Forever With You. 

Forever With You is available in paperback and eBook

The Making of a Matchmaker: a great introduction to a new historical romance series

The Making of a Matchmaker is a prequel novella to The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe series by Tess Thompson. It is the fall of 1910, Roland Tutheridge is found murdered. His death freed his wife, his four children and residents of the small island in the Puget Sound. Ruling his family in a savage dictatorship, Roland left his children, each with their own unique personalities, with little hope for happiness and love. Their mother comes up with a matchmaking scheme. However, the cloud of their father’s murder hangs heavily. As his secrets are revealed, everyone on the island becomes a suspect. Will the plan find love for the eccentric Tutheridge family? Can love grow after such darkness? 

A historical series with a murder mystery and swoony romance? Yes, please! I love Tess Thompson’s Emerson Pass historical romance series. I am slowly reading my way through it but I am loving it. So I was excited to hear that Ms Thompson announced a new historical series.  The Making of a Matchmaker introduces readers to the residents of Whale Island and a murder mystery. In six chapters, readers will be ready to jump into the romances of the Tutheridge children and a murder mystery that will affect everyone. It is a very quick read as an introduction to the Tutheridge family and the series. I am looking forward to the series. I recommend The Making of a Matchmaker. 

The Making of a Matchmaker is available in eBook

A Sound Among the Trees: a story of one house and the three women tied to it's history

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner is the story of one house lost in time and the line of women who share in its heritage of loss. Susannah Page came to Holly Oak as a young bride. Rumored to be a Union spy during the Civil War and viewed as a traitor to her Virginian roots. Her great-granddaughter, Adelaide, is the current matriarch of Holly Oak, doesn’t believe that the ghost of Susannah haunts the halls of the mansion. When Marielle Bishop marries into the family, it doesn’t take her long to firmly believe that the house brings misfortune to the women who live there. Marielle now must shift through the rumors and superstitions to discover the truth and make peace with her own sacrifices she made for love. 

I love Susan Meissner’s books. She has introduced me to the dual timeline historical novels where someone in the present finds a way to make peace with their past by learning about another event of the past. This is what I expected A Sound Among the Trees to be. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters especially Adelaide who seemed bitter. It was slow getting to the part of Susannah’s story that it was a let down. I would have liked to see more of Susannah’s point of view and not just letters from the area. This is the first time I have read a Susan Meissner novel and felt disappointed. She is still one of my go-to authors, unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. 

A Sound Among the Trees is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

I Forgive You, But...: the freeing and healing power of forgiveness

“I Forgive You, But…” 3 Steps that can heal your heart forever by Karen Jensen Salisbury asks the question “Have you ever been hurt, betrayed, used or done wrong?” At some point in life, everyone experiences wounds at the hands or words of others. Staying hurt is not okay. When we refuse to forgive, holding on to the hurt, we end up hurting ourselves rather than punishing the person who hurt us. Karen Jensen Salisbury sets out to present a book about how to forgive, how to turn to the Bible when you’ve been hurt and let the Word set you free. Forgiveness is the God offered do-overs and fresh starts and walk away free from the pain of the past. Featuring the real life stories of individuals who once thought that forgiveness wasn’t the answer, but learned the transformative power of forgiveness. 

Many people think that forgiveness should be given when it has been asked for or when the person is truly sorry. However, what happens when the person never asks or doesn’t think he or she did anything wrong. Karen Jensen Salisbury shows readers through personal stories and Scriptures that forgiveness frees us from bitterness and resentment even when forgiveness isn’t asked for or when the pain remains despite the “I’m sorry.” While I expected a different format, the book is still filled with Scriptures on forgiveness and examples of how unforgiveness affects our daily lives. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Nobody can go back and make a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” What a great reminder! I recommend “I Forgive You, But…” 

“I Forgive You, But…” 3 Steps that can heal your heart forever  

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Forgive and Remember: a Christian romance with the healing powers of accepting God's forgiveness

Forgive and Remember is the first book in the Greater Life romance series by Robin Merrill. Shelby Beaton is the new kindergarten teacher in Hartport, a small coastal town in Maine. She is looking forward to this opportunity to serve God at the Freedom Academy. Lincoln Kallock owns a security business and is the single dad of one of her students. There is an instant connection; however, Shelby keeps her distance as she holds a secret. When threats are made against the small school, Lincoln brings in his security team to protect the school. He notices that Shelby is brave as well as beautiful and kind. Despite her desire to keep her distance, they seem to be being pushed together and she begins to break down her walls. Can she trust him with her secret? Can he convince her that a shared burden is an easier load to carry? 

Everyone knows the old saying “forgive and forget,” so when I came across a book entitled Forgive and Remember, I was intrigued. From the opening chapter to the closing page, this story is about truly accepting God’s forgiveness and allowing ourselves to heal and move forward in His love. I loved Shelby as she is committed to serving God as she made a promise. Her secret is sadly a common occurrence and Lincoln and other characters who learn the secret were wonderfully comforting and supportive. I wish that more people were this sympathetic. There is the mystery about who is making the threats but it doesn’t bog down the story. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. It is a clean Christian romance with realism and emotional moments. I will admit I shed a few tears as I finished reading this book. I highly recommend Forgive and Remember. 

Forgive and Remember is available in paperback and eBook

Not You Again: what if Mr Right is right there among the Mr Wrongs?

Not You Again by Terri Osburn is the first book in the NOT series. Becca Witherspoon has agreed to four blind dates in five days. She only agrees to get her four best friends off her back. They are worried about her and if a few dates will convince them that she is fine, then she’ll do it. How bad can a few blind dates be? Apparently, very bad. Each date is worse than the last. And none of them compare to her former fiance. Becca needs to prove she doesn’t need a man to move on. However, on each date, a beautiful stranger keeps saving her from the awful dates. Jacob Kim keeps crossing her path and the more time she spends with him, the more she wishes he was one of the dates. With one date left, will Becca get her wish? Are the odds in her favor? 

From the opening chapter to the last page, Not You Again, is a fun, sweet clean romance with plenty of laughs, emotions and a few tears and hard-hitting moments. I loved the recurring statement that it is okay not to be okay as Becca lives life just going through the motions. It is a lesson Becca needs to learn. The reason why Becca’s friends think she needs to move on from her former fiance isn’t revealed until near the end and it is a doozy! I loved Becca’s growth as she learns to speak up, to heal and to find and give forgiveness. I loved Jacob’s character and I loved how their paths kept crossing. The supporting cast of characters are loving and willing to call out Becca’s excuses. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend Not You Again. 

Not You Again is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A SEAL's Oath: a second chance romance

A SEAL’s Oath by Cora Seton is the first book in the SEALs of Chance Creek. Navy SEAL Boone Rudman and his friends are creating a sustainable community with the hopes that, if successful, can be replicated anywhere in the world. When Martin Fulsom offers them land in Chance Creek, they take it. However, Fulsom is expecting families in the new town. Boone and his friends are as single as they come. Now Boone needs to find a wife or lose his chance at his dream. When he arrives at Westfield, he finds that it is already occupied by Riley Eaton, the woman who got away and has occupied his mind ever since. Riley is at a crossroad in her life. With no job and no prospects, she and her friends throw caution to the wind and decide to stay at the ranch her uncle inherited and create a Jane Austen style vacation for six months in Chance Creek. As Boone and Riley realize their plans for the land clash, can they find a way to help each other? Or will they destroy their chance for the futures they dream of? 

I love novels that feature military men and second chance romances. Of course, the cover caught my eye. Marriages of convenience as a trope seem a little far fetched but can make for a good romance. When I bought this book, the Jane Austen aspect in the blurb didn’t register. I added it to my To-Be-Read list and moved on. It came up on the list and I started reading. Boy, was I disappointed. I am not a fan of Jane Austen. And I do not get the appeal of someone who wants to live in “a simpler, more beautiful life-one that allows time for art, literature and music.” What? The Regency Era, simpler? Seriously? Whatever. But then Boone and his friends lecture endlessly about global warming and sustainability that it bogs down the story and you forget you’re reading a romance novel. I found Boone and Riley too immature and stubborn. Sadly, this book was not what I thought it was and by the end, I didn’t care if Boone and Riley found a common ground. I certainly will not be finishing the series. If you enjoy stories of Navy SEALs and love Jane Austen, you may enjoy A SEAL’s Oath. 

A SEAL’s Oath is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Fruit of the Spirit: what it means to live by the Spirit and produce the fruit

This month I studied the Fruit of the Spirit which I briefly touched on in a previous post a couple years ago. However, this time I wanted to study it in more depth. Writing to the Galatian church, Paul discusses what it means to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:14-26). Simply put, living by the Spirit is simply resisting the desires of the sinful nature as they are in conflict (verse 16-17). The acts of a sinful nature are listed in verse 19-21, including sexual immorality (which I will do an in depth study at a later date), hatred, jealousy and fits of rage. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (verses 22-23). We can see why our sinful natures would be in conflict with the Spirit. These are character traits found in the nature of Christ and as the Spirit grows in every believer, he or she will begin to exhibit the same Christ-like nature. 

Love is declared the greatest above all (1 Corinthians 13:13). To love others was commanded by Christ (Matthew 22-37-40, John 13:34-35). To love others is to help each other out in times of need or struggle. It doesn’t have to be monetary. It could be a phone call at 3 am. It could be answering a question for a stranger while at the store. Taking time out of your busy day, errands and schedule to help with a gracious heart. Essentially, as 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, “do everything in love.” Joy in a true believer is undeniable. It is that despite their struggles, despite their pain, they are joyfully seeking God’s guide, love and grace through their valleys as well as their mountain tops. Proverbs 17:22 says that “a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Sometimes it is hard to be joyful when life looks bleak; however, because we love Christ and believe in him, we are “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8). Peace is hard to imagine in this world as it seems we are always at odds with each other. But Christ tells that we will have trouble in this world but to take heart as he has conquered the world (John 16:33). We can claim the peace of Christ in the most troubled times as we know Jesus has already been victorious. 

Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate something without getting angry or upset. It is not rushing into a situation, into a relationship or a decision. Patience is something we all struggle with as we deal with frustration. Psalm 37:7 tells us to be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. It is following God’s plan and timetable rather than our own. Patience is not just waiting but having the right mindset and attitude while we wait. Kindness is showing mercy to others, generosity with our time and resources, and being sympathetic. It is being civil. Proverbs 11:17 tells us that kindness is a benefit to those receiving the kindness as well as the one giving it. Kindness has a boomerang effect. Give kindness and you will receive kindness (although we all know it’s not always from the same person). The kind person honors God by sharing his resources with others and in return, God will bless him. Goodness is working for the benefit of others and not just ourselves. In Greek, the word for goodness is agathosune which means “an uprightness of heart and life.” It is not done for recognition but to bring glory and honor to God who loves us. In Galatians 6:10, Paul writes, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” To return goodness with goodness and overcome evil with goodness. 

Faithfulness is consistently doing what one says he will do. It is keeping your promises. It is fulfilling your duties as a follower of Christ. Another divine characteristic of God as He does as He promises. Hebrews 10:23 says “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Faithfulness is being reliable and trustworthy. It is being steadfast until the very end. Despite our struggles. Despite the world coming in around us. Gentleness is tender, compassionate, tenderness and consideration. It means showing love and care for others in how you act and speak. It is to have a soft spirit or nature. Gentleness is also humility. Humility in reference to who God is and it is not self-hatred or to see yourself as unvalued but to think of yourself less. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Humility is seeing that apart from God, we can do nothing of worth (John 15:5). Self-control is the discipline to resist the sinful nature. Jesus perfectly demonstrates this disciple during his time in the desert. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus is tempted by Satan and does not give in. Self control is also not rushing into a fight without a thought. It is to gather all the information before making a decision. “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). 

In conclusion, the word fruit is singular which highlights that these attributes are intertwined, growing in harmony with and interacting with each other. Living by the Spirit and bearing the Fruit of the Spirit is not something we can do on our own. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As each believer exhibits these behaviors, it can be viewed as the Spirit winning the conflict with our flesh (Galatians 5:17). The fruit of the Spirit are not something we can work on to achieve but flows naturally when we abide or walk in the Spirit. How do we do that? By prayer and studying His Word. “It is living moment by moment in dependency on Him, to listen for His Voice and be obedient to it” (Charles Stanley). Living by the Spirit and exhibiting the fruit is a daily activity. Some days we can be on point and others we will need help. But God is faithful to those who live by faith. 

Their Perfect Melody: a sweet, fast paced romance

Their Perfect Melody is the third book in the Matched to Perfection series by Priscilla Oliveras. As the youngest sister, Lili Maria grew up affectionately known as the “wild child.” The life of the party where she loved to dance and sing. After the loss of her beloved parents, she discovered a caretaking side and became a victim’s advocate. During one call to a client, she meets Diego Reyes, a Chicago police officer, who lives to serve the people of his community. Lili finds herself drawn to him as he has a talent for playing classical Spanish guitar and has a passion for music she long forgot. As they bond over their shared desire to serve the community and their families, they find they have a lot in common as well as some different philosophies on life. Will Lili allow her once wild side to come out once again? Can they find a middle ground for their obvious attraction? 

I usually don’t like to read books out of order in a series. However, I received a copy of Their Perfect Melody and decided to take the chance. I loved this story. While there are some references to the previous two books, it was done in a way that readers do not need to know the events of those stories to enjoy Lili’s story. The story definitely focused on Lili and Diego. Their Perfect Melody is a sweet, fast paced romance with laughter and very touching moments. I loved Lili’s commitment to helping others out of bad situations and I loved Diego’s knight in shining armor mentality as he was quick to help when someone calls. Their romance was sweet and touchy. Overall, I loved this story and I am going to try and go back and read the first two books of the series. If you enjoy books about love, family and community, I recommend Their Perfect Melody. 

Their Perfect Melody is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook