We all want to live in abundance…but do we want to do what it takes for that to actually happen?

I love the Message version of the Fruit of the Spirit. While there’s nothing wrong with the version we usually hear: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, it can sometimes feel a bit abstract. The Message version brings it down to earth in a way that feels real and relevant:

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”
Galatians 5:22–23 (MSG)

That first line is the foundation for the changes I’m trying to make: What happens when you live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, gifts that lead to a full life, true abundance, and peace even in the presence of our enemies. (John 10:10 and Psalm 23.)

You can learn all the things, your identity, your purpose, how to release guilt and shame. You can even go to therapy. But if you’re not walking with God daily and building on what you’ve learned, you’ll still be operating at half your power.

I know this because I’ve been there. I tried to do both, God’s way and my own way. I thought I could straddle the line between the world and God, but I couldn’t. No matter how much Bible reading I did, I was still relying on myself to get things done. I wasn’t producing the fruit I needed. I was doing things my way, then asking God to bless it afterward.

But the closer I get to 40, I’m learning to seek God first, then decide my next steps. I learned to lean on His strength, not my own understanding.

I realized that when I stopped trying to “do me” and instead asked, “What’s God’s best for me?” life got easier. It became less overwhelming. I started asking myself simple but powerful questions:
What fruit will this action produce? Does it align with God’s values?

So now what?

It’s not enough to just know the truth. We have to walk in it. If you’re tired of living at half your power, of doing things your way and hoping God will co-sign it later… it’s time to shift.

Start asking yourself daily:
What kind of fruit am I producing?
Am I building a life God can bless?

You don’t have to figure it out alone. This space is for people who want to grow… spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
If that’s you, keep showing up. Bring your questions. Be honest with yourself. And let’s walk this thing out together.

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Until next time,

Dominique