Expressing the Fruit of the Spirit at work: JOY

On the days when the car has an unexpected rattle or flat tire, the wifi goes out, a key staff calls in sick at the worst possible time - I have a tendency to default towards panic and stress. I confess, that happens more than I like as a woman of faith!

Yet God reminds us in Galatians 5:22-23 that we have access to a better way with His help.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

As we continue our series on Expressing the Fruit of the Spirit at Work, we see a word which may not seem like it belongs, joy.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, JOY is defined as:

1. “great happiness”

2. “a person or thing which causes happiness.”

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/joy

The second definition above of the noun Joy applies to how it is a fruit of the Spirit.

“May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

“Ask {in My Name}, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)

“…the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Somehow, as the verses above reassure us, when we invite God into a situation, He can give us joy despite the circumstances we are facing.

One of the side effects of experiencing this Spirit given joy is how it can benefit our whole person:

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

This article talks about the effects of joy on our bodies & minds:

https://www.healthline.com/health/affects-of-joy

Expressing joy is a gift given by the Holy Spirit for each of us, God’s children, and helps mark us as followers of Jesus. Joy helps us hold on to hope when things are hard or strained at work.

Taking This to God in Prayer:

God, I don’t always default to invite You into every situation when it occurs, and I am sorry for that weakness in putting my faith into practice. Your Word reminds me that YOU are able to give me supernatural joy, a joy founded upon being Your daughter, as You release Your Spirit fresh within me. Teach me to turn to You first in every situation, that I might express that same joy at work. Let my God given joy be a witness to You, God, wherever I go, and whatever we face together.In Jesus' Name, Amen.

May we increasingly express joy as we walk out being Spirit filled Christian women at work,

Karla Lees

Christian Women at Work

Do Justice & Love Grace

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

God has not told us to do justice or love kindness, or walk humbly with Him. He has told us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. Different versions of Micah 6:8 will refer to kindness, mercy, or grace. The Hebrew Bible uses the word "grace."

What does it mean to give grace to someone? The Biblical definition refers to "undeserved kindness." It means showing love and compassion to someone even though they may not appreciate it, understand what it costs you, or plan to return the kindness.

• Micah 6:8 does not tell us to do justice or love grace. We are to do both as we walk humbly with God. When you think of God's grace, what comes to mind?

• Consider Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." What thoughts do you have as you meditate on this verse and God's grace towards you?

• Do you 100% believe you are saved by grace, or do you feel you need to earn it? Consider Ephesians 2:8: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." What do you think of as you consider salvation and God's forgiveness as a free gift, which you did not earn?

• What is your understanding of showing grace to others? Does it depend on the person, your feelings, or the situation? God wants us to demonstrate grace to others and to become strong in this area. On a scale of 0 to 10, with "0" never showing grace to anyone and "10" representing that you always show grace no matter the person or situation, how would you rate your "grace demonstration"?

• As God has forgiven us, so we are to forgive others. As God demonstrated grace to us, we are to show grace to others. God wants us to grow strong in this area and not hold back. Colossians 3:13 says: "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you". As you meditate on this verse, what comes to mind?

Grace for someone specific:

Does someone come to mind that you feel you could be showing more grace to? Are you trying to do this naturally? Now is the time to ask God to give you His grace for the person. To see them through His eyes. Remember the grace He has shown you and the expectation that you will be His grace to others.

Grace in your everyday life:

How would you rate yourself on a scale of 0 to 10 at work or at home? "0" would be "Never graceful to anyone," and 10 would be "Always graceful to everyone."

Look for ways to demonstrate grace to others this week at work and home. Be especially careful to consider those times when something (or someone) may have disappointed you or irritated you. If you historically were not so gracious, be aware of these opportunities going forward to show grace and forgiveness. Can you think of one thing that might arise next week at work or home that you can respond to with "strong grace"? If so, write it down below.

Consider writing a prayer about a situation or person that is stressing you. Refer to if often during this coming week.

Taking This To God in Prayer

God, would You help me to walk out Micah 6:8 at work? May I offer justice whenever injustice occurs around me. May I extend grace wherever it is needed. And may I walk humbly before You, my Guide and Saviour. I thank You for the grace and mercy You always offer me as Your child. Help me to walk this out wherever I am as I navigate this new work week. Amen.

May God richly bless you as you demonstrate His grace, love, and mercy at work and in your home.

Bonny, Christian Women at Work

Expressing the Fruit of the Spirit at Work: PEACE

A few weeks ago, I was preparing to take a brief absence from work to help a family member post surgery, and was finding myself becoming a bit overwhelmed as I tried to finish all the work on my desk before my leave while my workplace was quite busy. The last thing I was feeling was peaceful.

One of my co-workers could see my stress level and abrupt responses were increasing, and gently suggested that I take a short break to catch my breath. So I did, but also spent a moment praying.

The difference in how much work was accomplished and my attitude change after that short break was made by inviting the Holy Spirit into the situation, and asking for His guidance on how to proceed.

Maybe you can relate. There are days when our workplaces or work load flow well, and others where things can become tense with a sudden deadline approaching, supercharged with the underlying disagreement between co-workers, or tense as you deal with a difficult client.

In those moments, we especially need peace.

PEACE according to the Merriam Webster dictionary* is

1. “a state of tranquility or quiet” such as freedom from civil disturbance, or a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.

2. freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

3. harmony in personal relations

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peace

These definitions narrow down three key aspects to experiencing PEACE as Christian women: through God’s strengthening; safety; and relationally. As His children, the Word is to be our go to on all topics, so let’s examine what the Bible says about peace.

STRENGTHENED BY THE SPIRIT:

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

“The Lord gives strength to His people, and the Lord blessed His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

"But 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 ESV)

SAFETY:

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

RELATIONALLY:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:8)

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

“Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.” (Proverbs 12:20)

As we bring every situation to God, whether it's to do with our job location, work performance, or staff dynamics, we can trust that God will lead us to the best way to act, respond and/or speak each time we turn to Him.

Taking This to God in Prayer:

God, I struggle at times with how I can experience peace at work. When war and loss is highlighted by the news, remind me that You provide the peace that passes understanding, and my true home is with You. When I am feeling anxious, stressed, worn out or overtired, reassure me that You are with me, and You exchange my worries and concerns for Your peace when I offer them to you. When I am not in agreement with a coworker, help me recall that with Your help, I can remain calm and peaceful, and reply based upon Your promptings, not my initial reactions. May I always look to You, God, as my source of peace, no matter the situation or season I am currently experiencing. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Walking alongside you as together we become more peace filled Christian women at work,

Karla Lees