Noticing the Fruit That Grows

Four years ago, I wrote something that still rings true today: Grace grows as we notice good fruit in ourselves and others.

It’s easy to overlook the quiet virtues—the ones that don’t shout for attention but gently shape our lives. Charity that commits to others no matter what. Joy that blooms even when circumstances don’t. Peace that holds relationships together.

These fruits of the Spirit aren’t just ideals—they’re signs of grace at work. Patience that slows our reactions. Kindness that softens our tone. Goodness that gives without needing credit. Generosity that flows from a cheerful heart.

Gentleness listens. Faithfulness stays. Modesty honors the body as sacred. Self-control chooses God’s will over impulse. Chastity resists what divides and distorts.

When we begin to notice these in ourselves and others, something shifts. We stop measuring by perfection and start celebrating growth. We become smitten with goodness—not because we’ve earned it, but because we’ve received it.

So today, let’s pay attention. Let’s name the fruit. Let’s thank God for the grace that’s growing—quietly, steadily, beautifully.