Romans 3 - CEV Revised 2006 (Global CEV) (CEVUS06)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

A Fresh Look for a Generation Seeking Real Faith

You’ve probably seen the list on a church wall, a t-shirt, or a Pinterest post:
Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control.
That’s the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

But here’s the thing: these aren’t just “nice Christian traits” you try to copy. They’re evidence that something supernatural is growing inside you, something the Holy Spirit is actively forming. Let’s break them down one by one in a way that speaks to real life.

1. LOVE

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

We live in a world where love is often performative. It’s in captions and emojis, but not always in action. The Holy Spirit teaches us to love people even when they’re difficult, unlovable, or don’t benefit us.
Real love:

Listens before speaking
Forgives even when it hurts
Stays when it’s easier to walk away

2. JOY

“Though you have not seen him, you love him… you are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” – 1 Peter 1:8

Joy is different from happiness. It’s not tied to a vibe, a relationship, or a goal. Joy is deep and steady.
You can be battling anxiety and still carry joy. You can be broke and still feel joy. Why? Because joy is rooted in who God is, not what life looks like.

3. PEACE

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

Peace isn’t passive. It’s fierce trust in the middle of chaos.
For young people constantly hit with bad news, mental pressure, and overthinking, peace feels rare. But the Holy Spirit anchors us when the world spins. Peace shows up in how we handle pressure, stay grounded in prayer, and choose surrender over control.

4. PATIENCE

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2

We’re an instant generation, streaming, deliveries, dating apps. We’re wired for now.
But spiritual maturity grows in the slow seasons. Patience is learning to:

Wait without whining
Love people who don’t “get it” yet
Trust God’s timeline, not your own

It’s not natural, but it’s powerful and deeply needed in a culture obsessed with speed.

5. KINDNESS

“God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.” – Romans 2:4

Kindness isn’t just random acts. It’s intentional compassion.
It’s DM-ing someone just to check in.
It’s being gentle when you have every reason to be cold.
It’s choosing not to clap back even when you could go viral.
Kindness is powerful because it reflects the kindness God showed us.

6. GOODNESS

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21

Goodness is about integrity when no one’s watching.
It’s not about being a “good person”, it’s about choosing what’s right, even when it costs you.
It’s:

Being honest when you could cut corners
Calling out injustice, even if it’s unpopular
Living with purity in a world that celebrates compromise

7. FAITHFULNESS

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’” – Matthew 25:21

This one’s about showing up in relationships, in responsibilities, and in your walk with God.
Faithfulness says:

“I’ll keep praying, even when I feel nothing.”
“I’ll show up for my friends when it’s not convenient.”
“I’ll follow through on what I said.”

In a culture that glorifies jumping ship, faithfulness is countercultural—and deeply beautiful.

8. GENTLENESS

“Let your gentleness be evident to all.” – Philippians 4:5

Gentleness isn’t weakness. It’s controlled strength.
In a world where loud = power, the Spirit teaches us a quieter strength.
Gentleness shows up when:

You disagree without disrespecting
You lead without dominating
You correct without crushing

Jesus was gentle with the broken and we’re called to be like Him.

9. SELF-CONTROL

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28

Without self-control, everything else crumbles.
It’s the Spirit saying:

“Don’t send that text.”
“Pause before you scroll.”
“Say no when you know it’s not worth it.”

This fruit guards your peace, protects your witness, and empowers you to make decisions that align with your purpose not your impulse.

Final Thoughts: Fruit Takes Time

You don’t become a walking, talking Fruit Basket overnight.
But if you stay rooted in Jesus, the Holy Spirit will grow this fruit in you gradually, powerfully, and authentically.

You might not see it every day. But others will.
And in a world craving something real, the Spirit’s fruit is the loudest quiet message you’ll ever carry.

Ask Yourself:

Which fruit comes easiest for me?
Which one is God stretching in me right now?
How can I lean into the Spirit more today?

Next Step:

If you’re serious about growth, start a “Fruit Check” journal every week, reflect on one fruit and ask:

“How did I live this out or not this week?”

Spiritual growth isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. And you don’t walk it alone, the Spirit walks with you.

And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God. Colossians 120 (GNT)

Easter is a time of deep reflection and celebration. It reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice and the incredible gift of salvation we have through His death and resurrection. The cross is more than a symbol—it is the turning point of history, where love overcame sin and life triumphed over death. Let’s explore seven key Bible verses that reveal the power and meaning of the cross.

1. The Cross Shows God’s Love

“But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us!” – Romans 5:8 (GNT)

The cross is the greatest proof of God’s love. Jesus didn’t wait for us to be perfect; He gave His life while we were still lost in sin. His love is unconditional, reaching out to everyone, no matter their past.

2. The Cross Brings Forgiveness

“He canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:14 (GNT)

Because of Jesus, our sins are wiped clean. The cross is where our burdens are lifted, where guilt is removed, and where we receive complete forgiveness. No sin is too great for God’s mercy!

3. The Cross Brings Peace

“And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God.” – Colossians 1:20 (GNT)

Sin separated us from God, but the cross restored our relationship with Him. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer enemies of God but His beloved children.

4. The Cross Gives Us New Life

“Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (GNT)

The cross is not the end—it is the beginning of new life. Jesus’ death and resurrection open the door for us to be transformed, leaving behind our past and stepping into a new identity in Christ.

5. The Cross Gives Us Victory

“And on the cross Christ freed himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession.” – Colossians 2:15 (GNT)

What seemed like a defeat was actually a victory! On the cross, Jesus overcame sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Because of Him, we can walk in freedom, knowing that no force of evil can separate us from God.

6. The Cross is a Call to Follow

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you want to come with me, you must forget yourself, carry your cross, and follow me.'” – Matthew 16:24 (GNT)

Jesus invites us to take up our cross—not to suffer as He did, but to surrender fully to God’s will. True discipleship means letting go of selfish desires and living a life that honors Him.

7. The Cross Gives Us Eternal Life

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (GNT)

The cross is the bridge to eternal life. Jesus’ sacrifice was not just for this world, but for eternity. Through Him, we have the promise of life that never ends—a life in the presence of God forever.

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of the Cross

As we celebrate Easter, let’s not just remember the cross—let’s live in the power of what Jesus accomplished. The cross brings love, forgiveness, peace, new life, victory, and the hope of eternity.

This Easter, may we draw closer to Christ, embracing the fullness of His sacrifice and the joy of His resurrection. He is risen! Hallelujah!

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

When you think about Christmas gifts, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the latest gadgets, trendy clothes, or even a heartfelt handmade card. But long before Christmas became about shopping sprees and wish lists, it was all about the gift, Jesus Christ. The OG. The original gift that redefined love, hope, and salvation. Let’s dive into why Jesus’ birth is the ultimate present we didn’t know we needed.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Think about it: God sent Jesus not as a temporary fix but as a forever solution. Unlike gifts that break, get outdated, or lose their shine, Jesus’ impact is eternal. He offers us salvation, forgiveness, and a direct connection to God—no expiration date, no strings attached.

Wrapped in Humility

Jesus didn’t arrive with fanfare or luxury. No royal palace, no red carpet, not even a proper guest room. Instead, He was born in a manger, surrounded by animals and the humblest of circumstances Luke 2:7; “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them”. Imagine expecting a king and getting a baby in a barn! Yet, this humble entrance shows us that God’s greatest gifts often come in unexpected packages. It’s a reminder that we don’t need glitz and glamour to experience God’s blessings.

The Priceless Gift

Here’s the thing: Jesus is free. You don’t have to work for Him, earn Him, or deserve Him. Romans 6:23 puts it plainly: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross so that we could freely receive the gift of grace. No amount of good deeds or fancy wrapping could ever compare to what He’s already done.

How to Receive the Gift

Opening a gift is easy: you just take it. The same goes for Jesus. He’s already been given; all you need to do is accept Him. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This Christmas, amidst all the unwrapping, take a moment to open your heart to the greatest gift of all.

Paying It Forward

Jesus’ gift wasn’t just for you; it’s for everyone. Just like the shepherds who couldn’t keep the good news to themselves (Luke 2:17-18), When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ,we’re called to share the joy. This could look like acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, or simply loving others the way Jesus loves us. When we give selflessly, we’re reflecting God’s heart and reminding the world of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Bottom Line

Jesus is the OG Christmas gift, the ultimate expression of love, hope, and redemption. While the gifts under the tree are nice, none of them compare to the one God gave us over 2,000 years ago. So this Christmas, let’s remember to celebrate the original gift that changed everything. Because honestly? He’s the only gift we’ll ever truly need.

Do you know God’s grace? Here are 7 Bible verses to inspire you to understand this grace.

Romans 3:23-24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

To understand God’s grace, we have to acknowledge that we have done what is wrong in God’s eyes. We have sinned. We are in need of forgiveness and redemption.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

God’s grace is a free gift that doesn’t depend on any good deeds you have done. God’s grace is for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

James 4:6-7 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

In humility we turn to God and confess that we have done wrong. In humility we receive God’s grace and he will lift us up.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God isn’t a distant God. He came to us and lived among us as one of us. Jesus is full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

You can come to Jesus, just as you are. He knows our weaknesses. Because of the grace of God, we are forgiven our sins.

Titus 3:4-7 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

We don’t earn or deserve God’s grace by our good deeds, but it’s given according to God’s own mercy. By grace we are saved through our faith and even become heirs to the kingdom of God.

Revelation 22:21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

This is the very last verse of the Bible and it reminds and expresses the wish for God’s grace be with you. “Amen” means “surely”, “truly” or “so be it.” We live by the hope and trust in God’s grace every day.

1 What good is it to be a Jew? What good is it to be circumcised? 2 It is good in a lot of ways! First of all, God's messages were spoken to the Jews. 3 It is true that some of them did not believe the message. But does this mean that God cannot be trusted, just because they did not have faith? 4 No, indeed! God tells the truth, even if everyone else is a liar. The Scriptures say about God,

“Your words

will be proven true,

and in court

you will win your case.”

5 If our evil deeds show how right God is, then what can we say? Is it wrong for God to become angry and punish us? What a foolish thing to ask. 6 But the answer is, “No.” Otherwise, how could God judge the world? 7 Since your lies bring great honor to God by showing how truthful he is, you may ask why God still says you are a sinner. 8 You might as well say, “Let's do something evil, so that something good will come of it!” Some people even claim that we are saying this. But God is fair and will judge them as well.

No One Is Good

9 What does all this mean? Does it mean that we Jews are better off than the Gentiles? No, it doesn't! Jews, as well as Gentiles, are ruled by sin, just as I have said. 10 The Scriptures tell us,

“No one is acceptable to God!

11 Not one of them understands

or even searches for God.

12 They have all turned away

and are worthless.

There isn't one person

who does right.

13 Their words are like

an open pit,

and their tongues are good

only for telling lies.

Each word is as deadly

as the fangs of a snake,

14 and they say nothing

but bitter curses.

15 These people quickly

become violent.

16 Wherever they go,

they leave ruin

and destruction.

17 They don't know how

to live in peace.

18 They don't even fear God.”

19 We know that everything in the Law was written for those who are under its power. The Law says these things to stop anyone from making excuses and to let God show that the whole world is guilty. 20 God doesn't accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin.

God's Way of Accepting People

21 Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable, and it isn't by obeying the Law of Moses. 22 God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ. 23 All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. 24 But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins. 25-26 God sent Christ to be our sacrifice. Christ offered his life's blood, so by faith in him we could come to God. And God did this to show that in the past he was right to be patient and forgive sinners. This also shows that God is right when he accepts people who have faith in Jesus.

27 What is left for us to brag about? Not a thing! Is it because we obeyed some law? No! It is because of faith. 28 We see that people are acceptable to God because they have faith, and not because they obey the Law. 29 Does God belong only to the Jews? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, he is! 30 There is only one God, and he accepts Gentiles as well as Jews, simply because of their faith. 31 Do we destroy the Law by our faith? Not at all! We make it even more powerful.