A PLACE AT THE TABLE

What Christians call the “fruit of the Spirit”—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control—is food the world needs. It’s not a banquet to which only believers are invited. 

 These are all relational graces: each is only meaningful when there’s a lack of it. We’re never called to dine alone—to only private holiness. 

 We learn these graces at the table from those who have themselves learned patience, peace and self-control in other times, at other tables. In community, in time we spend together, we practice the kindness the world needs. 

Your gentleness will teach me to be gentle: my faithfulness in staying with you may be the prompt to loyalty you need. In grace, we build each other up—and all for those who hunger to experience the goodness shown to us. 

 This is no private dinner club: Grace always sets the table for great sharing. 

 Come to the meal at which all hungry souls are filled. 

And stay in grace.