My Love Smoothie Prayer

I am sure most people have had a frozen fruit smoothie in their lifetime. Aside from the great taste, we are also attracted to the fact that it offers a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Some are drawn to one type of fruit whether its mangos, bananas or strawberries mixed with a little yogurt for texture. Just plain yummy for my tummy!

There is another important fruit category that we should consider as part of our daily lives. I am referring to what is called the “Fruits of the Spirit” that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law”.

In the past, whenever I heard a sermon about the fruits of the spirit, I cringed. I felt that my fruits were lacking that shiny luster. If I’m shopping at my local grocers and the fruits don’t look fresh, I won’t buy. As I continue in my cringe mode, I imagine hearing through a supermarket loud speaker “Clean up on aisle 4” as a large spotlight hovers over me as I push my grocery cart of life carrying my lackluster fruit.

A memory in my mind where I’m in my car hollering at the driver in front of me as I am rudely cut off in traffic. I’m still angry five minutes later which is five minutes I will not get back. So what is the point? That driver probably stopped by a drive thru for some fries enjoying it all the way home and I’m getting hot around the collar for nothing.
….So much for self-control.

A flashback of me standing in line at the bank wondering if the teller could count the money any slower as she finalizes a transaction for the customer ahead of me.
….So much for patience.

Paying a bill on the phone and ready to puncture my cell phone key pad as the automatic voice keeps saying, please speak loudly or press 1 for yes or 2 for no. Now I’m trying to shout my answer to no avail and pressing my key pad numbers only to have to start over again.
….So much for gentleness.

I think you get the picture. I can sit here all day and think about all my fruit violations and wonder why my fruits in a smoothie would appear more lumpy than smooth. However, it is a good time to “reflect” on these matters and allow the Lord to heal and work in those areas of our lives.

In 1 Cor 13 starting with verse 4, Paul who was writing to the church of Corinth goes into detail on the definition that God gives for the biggest fruit of all and most used word in the Universe LOVE. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”. Imagine a love that never fails and in reminding myself that he loves me so much how then can I not want to love him more and represent him better? Let us show that love more to others not just talk about it.

Dear Jesus, I need a jumbo size spiritual fruit smoothie with a double dose of your unfailing “LOVE”! I don’t want to be a fruit of the spirit violator. You love me with an everlasting love. You are patient, you are kind, you offer hope and you are faithful to me always. You will not fail me. Your word is your word and stands the test of time. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. Thank you Lord for I know you are doing a work in my heart. May I be able to show more Love in my life each day. Amen.

I know that I fall short. But I know this; I will not give up and stop drinking in the love of my Lord! He promised us the Holy Spirit as a companion and to help us get stronger in those areas that challenge us the most. For me, I know I need to work on the fruit of patience and wouldn’t you know, I tend to get surrounded by circumstances that will test that fruit time and again!

Let us not tire of being good, being faithful and joyful and most of all showing love!” So ladies, get your blenders ready and your small groups together and have a “LOVE” smoothie party and as you enjoy the fellowship and the refreshment, smile every time you sip your smoothie. Remember, God is working in you so you can bless others with the delicious fruit gifts of your unique life.
Drink up!