By Emi Iwanaga

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control.
…let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬,25‬ ‭NIV

Saints, Sweets, and…Self-Control??

Fruit of the Spirit
I want to be filled with it.
Love, joy, peace….yes please
kindness, goodness, gentleness…bring it on!
and…self-control…Wait, what??

Food for the flesh
I want my fill of it.
Cake, candy, chips…yes, please
Cookies, cream puffs, custards…bring it on!
and… self-control…a divine gift?? Not now please.

Fact of the matter
I should want this Fruit.
The Father withholds no good thing…yes, please
To keep in step with the Spirit…bring it on!
even,,,self-control??…More please!

Emi Iwanaga served thirteen years as a missionary in Amazon Valley in Brazil, over 20+ years as a children’s ministry director, women’s ministry director, and pastor’s wife, and is currently a spiritual director.