art. house. mum.
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fruit+of+spirit+for+canvas.JPG)
I go to a great Bible study group where we use the KYB (Know Your Bible) studies. It is one of the coolest things that I do.
The studies have been sparking thoughts in my mind about what being a Christian is. I grew up as a Christian and part of me hates the word (sorry, but it's true). Admitting to being a Christian is such a loaded thing. So much culture of so many different types is associated with Christianity and so many people have such strong associations with Christianity and the Christian church. Obviously, not all of these associations are good. And many people seem to have really strong, emotive and conflicting feelings about Christians. Me too.
But what KYB lately has been reminding me is that the important thing is following the man of Jesus.
I feel relieved with that thought. If other people find it easiest to throw a label on me, then I guess that the best fit is "Christian". But in my heart I just want to follow Jesus. The way that he viewed the world was and is revolutionary. And the people who I see puting his teaching into practice are the people who I genuinely admire.
Jesus told his followers to
- Love their enemies
- Be generous and not to tell anyone about it
- Care for others before themselves
- Be peacemakers
- Talk to God
- Be humble
- Look past cultural boundaries
- Take care of the disadvantaged
- Be responsible
- Be smart
There's a lot which I have missed in this list but it's not a bad start is it? Just imagine if we all lived like that!
So anyway, I've been inspired lately to get back to the roots of what I believe and look more closely at the teachings of Jesus. When he left the earth (crazy, hey, going up in a cloud after rising from the dead... don't be fooled by people who tell you that Christians are conservative and unimaginative) he said that he would send someone to guide his followers and give them good counsel, the Holy Spirit. And he said that by believing in him (Jesus) they would have access not only to freedom from their own failures, but also to the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit would be evident to others by the way they would live their lives... the fruit of the Spirit.
So I thought that it would be great to have one of those designer lists made up... one that lists the fruit of the Spirit.. something to encourage our family to be striving to live lives that shine.
I'm planning on getting this one printed onto canvas so I've made it to fit on a 40x55cm canvas. You are welcome to click here to download a PDF image. It's a big file but that's so that if you want to print it for a 30x45cm you shouldn't lose any text in the edges. If you plan on printing more than one or two for yourself then drop me an email to confirm permission, especially if you intend to sell them. Thanks.
So I thought that it would be great to have one of those designer lists made up... one that lists the fruit of the Spirit.. something to encourage our family to be striving to live lives that shine.
I'm planning on getting this one printed onto canvas so I've made it to fit on a 40x55cm canvas. You are welcome to click here to download a PDF image. It's a big file but that's so that if you want to print it for a 30x45cm you shouldn't lose any text in the edges. If you plan on printing more than one or two for yourself then drop me an email to confirm permission, especially if you intend to sell them. Thanks.
