“How God Loves Us: 40 Days to Discovering His Character in the Fruit of the Spirit” is a new book from Moody Publishers written by Jessica Thompson.  This special little volume initially drew my attention because it takes such a unique approach to the Fruits of the Spirit as defined in the book of Galatians.  Why?  Because with Jessica as our guide, we step into the truth that it is because God loves us in these ways – joyfully, peacefully, patiently, kindly, with goodness, faithfully, gently, and with self-control – that we can love others in this way too.  

As this book reveals, the fruits of the spirit are not a list that we must check off, or a measuring stick that we need to hold up to see how ‘spiritual’ we are becoming by our actions.  Instead, by embracing all the facets of God’s love for us, we can “live by the Spirit… keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).  For it is by God’s Spirit in us that we can grow this fruit in our lives – not by our own striving.  

Jessica Thompson’s book is divided into relatable, short, daily devotionals that walk us through the Fruits of the Spirit using personal anecdotes, cross-referenced Scripture verses, and a small ‘assignment’ for the day to imprint the teaching into our minds and hearts.

If you would like a fresh look at the well-known verse in Galatians, I highly recommend going through “How God Loves Us” as a daily devotional for the next few weeks.  It is gentle, well-written, and most importantly reminds us to seek God’s character.  Undoubtedly it will bless you, as it has me.  

I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.