The Fragrance of the Vine

Today's Word of Wonder: Benevolence

The Scripture Spotlight for Today

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."— Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

The Devotion: Putting on the Family Name

There is a subtle difference between "being nice" and the Fruit of the Spirit called Kindness and Goodness. Being "nice" is often about manners or social expectations. But Benevolence—biblical goodness—is the very character of God leaking out of our lives.

Paul tells us to "clothe ourselves" with these traits. Think about that for a second: You don't "grow" clothes out of your skin; you step into them. On this Saturday, as we cease our work, we have the opportunity to intentionally "step into" the character of Jesus.

The WOW Moment today is realizing that kindness is the "fragrance" of the Vine. When a branch is healthy and the sap is flowing, it produces fruit that is sweet to the taste. When you are "Being" in Christ, you become "sweet" to the people around you. Goodness isn't about following a moral code; it’s about having a heart that is so satisfied in God’s love that it naturally seeks the well-being of others. Today, your rest is the "soil" in which your kindness grows.

Wonder Prompt (Actionable Reflection)

Who is the person closest to you today (perhaps a spouse, a child, or a roommate)?

• Action: Perform one "Invisible Act of Goodness." Do something kind for them that they might not even notice—wash a dish, pray a silent blessing over them, or leave a small note. Do it not because you "have to," but because you are "clothed in Christ."
  

• Reflection: How does it feel to do good without needing the credit?

• Prayer: "Lord, thank You for Your overwhelming goodness toward me. Today, I choose to clothe myself in Your kindness. Let my words be sweet and my actions be full of Your grace as I rest in You. Amen."