Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8 "The apostle Paul helped to start a church in Galatia where many people came to faith in Jesus," Pearl recalled. "Galatia is a long way from Israel," Merle added. "About 600 miles." "I thought you were too tired to remember anything," Pearl said. "It just came to me. I've got a memory for geography."

该页暂无翻译

Pearl smiled and continued, "Paul sent a letter to the Galatian church to remind them that faith in Jesus is what saves them, not following rules. Paul also told the people that when God's Spirit lives in you, you will start to be more and more like Jesus. He named nine specific ways we will reflect Jesus and called them the fruit of the Spirit." "I've heard of those in church," Michael confirmed. "Do you remember what they are?" Pearl quizzed. "Um... sorry," Michael said. "I'm kinda tired right now." Pearl knew the reason he was tired was because he'd gotten up early to play, but she didn't want to rub it in. "The first eight are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. But the ninth one was the one Super Squish Squids made me think of." "What's that one?" Michael wondered.

Pearl responded. "Sometimes the things we really want to do may not be the best things for us." Michael frowned. "What's so bad about wanting to do your best and win?" "That's not bad on its own, but when it starts to get in the way of more important things, like sleep and school, it can be a problem. Over 1,000 years before Paul, King Solomon said, 'Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.'" Pearl paused a moment to let her words sink in. "Or conquer a video game." Michael nodded his head groggily, then drifted off to sleep. "Do you think he got that, Merle?" Pearl whispered. "Merle?" "Zzzzz...," Merle replied.