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Nice Is Not a Fruit of the Spirit: Living Faithfully in Complicated Times
In these days when Christians might be tempted to tiptoe around hot-button issues and political discourse, Julia Seymour reminds nice is not a fruit of the Spirit.
128 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 10, 2026
I greatly appreciate this book for challenging me to revisit the Fruits of the Spirit as Paul outlines in Galatians 5:22-23. I've often thought that "nice" is not what kindness really means, but in reading this book I understand that we substitute the word "nice" often for the rest of them, too. We'd rather a false peace where we are nice to each other than a just peace that will challenge us. We'd rather a safe love that is nice than a deep love that challenges us to be better. We'll accept giving when we can so others can see us being nice rather than living a generous life. Excellent book that would work as a small group study.
July 1, 2026
Paul's letter to the Galatians contained in the New Testament identifies nine qualities that the Holy Spirit sows in us to help us live in community. The fruits are listed as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Julia Seymour points out that ALL of the fruits are necessary and within the reach of each person.
The author's description of the fruits emphasizes that they are active expressions and may require us to set aside so called "nice" responses that focus on smoothing over difficulties rather than resolving them.
Her fresh perspectives on familiar Bible stories helped me consider alternative interpretations of the stories and how they exemplify the fruits described in Galatians.
I recommend reading and reflecting on one chapter at a time to consider how the text can be integrated into your daily practice and relationships.
The author's description of the fruits emphasizes that they are active expressions and may require us to set aside so called "nice" responses that focus on smoothing over difficulties rather than resolving them.
Her fresh perspectives on familiar Bible stories helped me consider alternative interpretations of the stories and how they exemplify the fruits described in Galatians.
I recommend reading and reflecting on one chapter at a time to consider how the text can be integrated into your daily practice and relationships.
July 7, 2026
Loved this book….the author has given me a lot of good for thought. ❤️
I’m already planning on re-reading it to glean more take aways.
I’m already planning on re-reading it to glean more take aways.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews