Tending the Wild Garden: Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit

by Eugenia Anne Gamble

In a world fixated on outward appearances, discover the joy of cultivating an inward relationship with the Spirit, where virtues like love, joy, and self-control blossom naturally.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." – Galatians 5:22-23a

The apostle Paul paints a beautiful picture when he describes the fruit of the Spirit but all too often, we reduce this list of virtues into a checklist of attributes to pursue and strive for. However, pastor and author Eugenia Gamble contends that this understanding is backwards. The Holy Spirit is the One who grows and develops those attributes within us as we pursue our relationship with God. By tending that relationship, the virtues of God develop and blossom as a fruit grows on a well-tended tree.

Tending the Wild Garden explores the true meaning behind each of the virtues in Paul’s list, guiding us to discover anew what it means to be a deeply loved child of God indwelt by God’s Spirit. Gamble helps us to move beyond the checklist mentality of traditional understandings of the fruit of the Spirit, to cultivate our relationship with God, and to uproot the "weeds" that could threaten the flourishing of the fruit in our lives.




Key Features of this Bible

Ten Chapters/Sessions introduce the garden and explore
each of the nine aspects of the fruit of the SpiritSix daily devotions in each chapter with daily Scripture, reflections, and spiritual practicesQuestions for personal and group discussionLet the fruit of the Spirit be more than just words on a page—they’re the living expressions of God’s love within you. Dare to cultivate a life overflowing with love, joy, peace, and so much more.

232 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2024

Reviews

[Kate Belt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gamble writes beautifully about drawing on the the inner strength we already have to reflect on gifts we have to give ourselves and one another: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. After each chapter, there’s a set of daily questions for contemplation and suggestions for a life of resistance to fascism & oligarchy. Written in the years after 2016 and published in 2024, it is clearly relevant for the time in which we find ourselves today. From the introduction: “Try to entertain the notion that the fruit is not a set of morals to be checked off in order to feel safe . . . rather, acknowledge, for a moment, that the Spirit is already bringing to fruit every possible good thing in and through you. You are asked simply to clear the ground, expand your vision, release and share what the Spirit produces in and through you.” Rev. Dr. Gamble is an ordained Presbyterian minister.

[Scott Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight to practical application

Eugenia Gamble does an excellent job digesting scripture and leading us through work on the fruits of the spirit within us. I highly recommend this book for small group study and personal enrichment. ~ Rev. Dr. Scott Crane

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and Genie’s writing style. She interwove personal stories with spiritual truths in a lovely way. A thoughtful treatment of the fruits of the Spirit.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely exploration of growing one's spirituality. This is meant to be slowly consumed rather than a speed reading.