A Woman's Walk with God: Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit

by Elizabeth George

What will keep believers growing in fruitfulness in their walk with God? Elizabeth George, author of A Woman After God's Own Heart, beautifully and practically leads readers to a deeper understanding of what it means to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. With a fresh look at "those gracious habits which the Holy Spirit produces in the Christian," Liz helps readers discover-- The author's warm, personal style easily lends itself to small group study. A 13-week study guide is included. This book was formerly titled God's Garden of Grace.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Spirituality, Womens

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Elizabeth George is bestselling author and national speaker dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. For over 30 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth has helped countless men and women:

- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Women around the world are drawn to Elizabeth’s approach of daily starting with the Bible to handle life’s challenges. Her ability to weave biblical truth into everyday issues has led readers to make over 15 of her books bestsellers. Elizabeth’s distinctive work, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, has sold over 1 million copies and received the ECPA Platinum Book Award. Likewise, her delightful book, A Girl After God’s Own Heart, remains a treasured gift for moms and grandmothers and made the CBA Bestseller List for fourteen consecutive months.

Elizabeth also encourages women through her radio broadcast, “A Minute for Busy Women,” featured on Christian radio stations across America and at www.OnePlace.com. She is also a regular keynote speaker at women’s conferences and retreats.

In the midst of their busy writing schedule, Elizabeth and Jim love spending time with their two married daughters and eight grandchildren, taking daily walks along golden sands, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. They divide time residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and the Washington State coast.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear and concise book on how the Fruits of the Spirit play out practically in the heart and life of a Godly woman. I loved it because she encourages her reader on to doing better rather than just discouraging the reader for not always doing it in the past. Very encouraging and convicting read.
Best of all, she bases everything she says on Scripture.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides the best understanding of the fruits of the Spirit I've ever read.

[Christabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book that really challenged me to see if my walk as a Christian is consistent with my confession of Christ. I’ll humbly admit, there were many times I had to step away and chew on a few of the topics. Overall, I am very glad I went through it (and took my time). I think it was a very important read.

[Kristen Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fabulous; so applicable, biblical, and relevant. I loved the lessons it teaches, and will be leaning on these for a long time! One of my favorites by her.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!! Will refer back to and reread time and again. Good Godly encouragement to walk in the fruit of the Spirit. Full of scripture!

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ms George writes her books as if she was sitting at her table drinking coffee with you and having a nice visit. She uses scripture as a way of guiding her words to help us to understand how we feel, what we do, how we act according to God. She never points fingers at 'you' but includes herself as she writes as we are all human and all have faults. A few other devotional books I've read in the past the author acts so much 'better' than the reader and likes to point fingers etc. But not Ms George. It's as if she's your best friend having a visit with you.

I have shared many of her paragraphs on my Facebook page for my friends to learn from her as well. I do really appreciate her and her writing and look forward to reading more of her books. In the back of her books (or the two I've read) have a study guide you can use if you choose to do so

[Diana Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took so much away from this book. I like how the author gave definitions of the fruits and then examples of bible characters who showed these traits. She also used examples of people in her life to make things relatable. I loved the study questions for each chapter at the end of the book.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I obviously can't get enough of this writer.. I own most of her stuff... its my passion to be a better mother, wife, sister, daughter.....

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Buy it and love it!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start this book with a word of warning to the potential reader, as I myself did not know this. This book used to be titled "God's Garden of Grace" in the first edition, and the name was changed later on. But since neither cover tells you it used to be called something else I had originally been planning on reading both. It was only upon trying to add this book to Goodreads did I realize that I had them confused. I suppose I could have guessed since the subtitle is the same, but I often don't pay attention to that.

I thought this was a fairly thorough discourse on the fruit of the Spirit. I have always enjoyed Elizabeth George's style of writing, and the fact that she does not shy away from the greek and the applications that go beyond just being a woman. That's not to say that I did not get annoyed occasionally at the fact that she defaults at talking to women as if they are married and have children. While I know that this is fairly common I think it could be alienating to women who are not, and make them feel like George does not believe them to be fully serving their purpose (something I don't think she believes, but I could understand why someone might think so). I wish that more women writers would give advice on how to practice the fruit of the Spirit (or anything biblical) when you are unmarried or not a mother. While I myself am married, it was something I often thought about, and we shouldn't be giving young women the idea that they must get married as the apostle Paul was very clear that he believes that if you can do it you should remain unmarried so that you can more fully and unhinderedly serve the Lord. I myself obviously did not take this advice, lol, as I didn't think I could do so in a way that was honoring to God.

I really enjoyed the way that George grouped together the fruit of the Spirit in this book. While I understand (and she makes clear) that they all work together and separately, I enjoyed the way that she fit them together. I especially enjoyed the section about patience, kindness, and goodness as I really felt that these specific fruits worked together well. It was encouraging and convicting, and I have definitely been thinking about ways in which I could practice what I have learned.

[Melody Dowdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

John 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” Writer EG is a pillar of faith and wisdom for women to grow in their understanding of living a life that bears much fruit. As a believer in Christ, pruning, grafting, and bearing fruit is part of the sanctification process. I enjoyed this book, but it is quite dated, specifically in the life application department. I find EG’s doctrine and interpretation of the scriptures to be sound. However, only three stars for this one-as I found it hard to relate to some of the dated examples. This is likely a personal preference and peeve of mine. Titles written as “relevant” to the time, often become dated to the next generation. Again- this is a personal preference and should not reflect on the writer or Biblical content in this book.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. The first and favorite "religious" book I have ever read. I took my time reading it and took detailed notes. It really does a great job going through different things that a godly woman possesses. Truly felt "changed" after reading. Highly recommend to anyone new on their spiritual journey. It is NOT religious in any way (rules, law, etc.) I personally refuse to read Christian books that are too full of religion (do this, don't do that type of thing) and this book was far from that. Read before having children, but I'd love to go back through soon and re-read or do a study on it with other ladies!

[Atlantis · Rating 2 out of 5]

While not a Catholic based bible study book, this has some merit. Using bible verses, personal accounts and a study guide this non-fiction self help provides a reasonable path to becoming closer to God. Oriented around a women’s perspective to include daily activities from Christian women of different backgrounds. LFL donation.

[Diane Hidey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a chapter study of each Fruit of the Spirit. There are a lot of stories, used to make points and to challenge the reader. It's not very deep, so would be suitable for a younger Christian ... and very much written for female readers. It was not as challenging as I'd hope, but still valuable for a female who's looking to apply the Fruit of the Spirit to everyday life.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspiring read which I think I will revisit many times. I read it slowly but I still only scratched the surface.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

210 pages. Great book I read for my Sunday School lessons. It discusses the fruits of the spirit and how to cultivate those in your life. I saved many quotes and ideas from it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of wonderful wisdom and encouragement to mediate on.

[Brenda Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study book.. I've read it several times now.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This is a fantastic book on the fruit of the spirits. I could relate and it is very easy to put into practice.

[Carol Blakeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter how many books I read on any Scripture topic, God speaks to me through them if they are trying to be faithful. This was another of those books.

[Sue Fellows · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read - challenging and reaffirming. I love her personal perspectives on the Fruit of the Spirit and applying it to a woman's walk with God. It's an older book with timeless perspectives.

[Monet Love-Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives such a beautiful portrait of how to LIVE the fruit of the spirit and walk in the fullness of God!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good illustrations of how to be a better person using life experiences of herself and others to make her point. Definitely something I will reread in the future.

[Buffy Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book a lot, a good devotional for enriching human relationships

[Kauane Macedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito bom

[Agasha Dahil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about the fruits of the spirit.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical truths written in layman's terms. Practical examples. Much to meditate on, pray for, and put into practice.

[Sandra Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book. I recommend this book for every female who has given her Life to God wether it was recent or have done so for years! Elizabeth George provides such detailed insigt on the 9 spirits with also making great biblical reference. This booked helped me to look into my own life to see where changes can be made to better my walk with God. I pray this book is as helpful with someone elses walk as it has been with mines! :-)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great bible study I did with a close friend. I really like having the questions in the back and the insight she offered on how to grow in the Spirit. We did a chapter per week over the course of about 3 months. But we have 5 kids between us and we weren't able to do it every single week. I loved the emphasis on prayer.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the rather irritating style ("And now, dear sisters...") this is an excellent and thought-provoking book about the fruits of the Spirit and how they should be manifest in our lives. The chapter on Experiencing God's Peace was particularly helpful. Definitely a book I shall recommend and possible make a present of to others.