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How God Loves Us: 40 Days to Discovering His Character in the Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit isn’t just something we display. It’s the way God loves us!
Every Christian cherishes the famous passage in Galatians 5:22–23 that lists the fruit of the Spirit. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. And self-control. These are the marks of godly character that we strive to display.
But has it ever occurred to you that these are also the characteristics of God? Can it be that God loves us with the fruit of the Spirit? And only when we are secure in that love can we display it to others?
Jessica Thompson wants to take you deeper into the love that your Heavenly Father has for you. Focusing on the majority of the fruit of the Spirit, she shows how God Himself has these attributes and lavishes them on us. In 40 readings designed for daily devotions, Jessica takes you across the whole arc of the Bible to reveal the character of the triune God. This journey will surely bless you. For the more you behold who He is and the nature of his love, the more you will, by the work of the Spirit, become like Him.
“My hope is that the readers will come away from this book more aware of what a magnificent God we serve. My hope is that the readers will remember their first love. My hope is that the readers will come back to this book again and again when they’re looking for a place of healing and hope.” – Jessica Thompson
Every Christian cherishes the famous passage in Galatians 5:22–23 that lists the fruit of the Spirit. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. And self-control. These are the marks of godly character that we strive to display.
But has it ever occurred to you that these are also the characteristics of God? Can it be that God loves us with the fruit of the Spirit? And only when we are secure in that love can we display it to others?
Jessica Thompson wants to take you deeper into the love that your Heavenly Father has for you. Focusing on the majority of the fruit of the Spirit, she shows how God Himself has these attributes and lavishes them on us. In 40 readings designed for daily devotions, Jessica takes you across the whole arc of the Bible to reveal the character of the triune God. This journey will surely bless you. For the more you behold who He is and the nature of his love, the more you will, by the work of the Spirit, become like Him.
“My hope is that the readers will come away from this book more aware of what a magnificent God we serve. My hope is that the readers will remember their first love. My hope is that the readers will come back to this book again and again when they’re looking for a place of healing and hope.” – Jessica Thompson
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2022
14 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Thompson
14 books56 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Jessica Thompson grew up in Southern California, the second child of Phil and Elyse Fitzpatrick.
When not homeschooling, Jessica helps her mother with correspondence and scheduling conferences and speaks at women’s conferences. In 2010, along with her mom, she collaborated on the book, “Give them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus”, to be released by Crossway in Spring of 2011. A confirmed SoCal girl, Jessica loves the beach, daily walks and most of all her beloved San Diego Padres.
Jessica Thompson grew up in Southern California, the second child of Phil and Elyse Fitzpatrick.
When not homeschooling, Jessica helps her mother with correspondence and scheduling conferences and speaks at women’s conferences. In 2010, along with her mom, she collaborated on the book, “Give them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus”, to be released by Crossway in Spring of 2011. A confirmed SoCal girl, Jessica loves the beach, daily walks and most of all her beloved San Diego Padres.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 2, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
Scripture Connection
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Gal. 5:22-23
Format
The devotional consists of forty un-numbered chapters, divided into eight sections (one for each of the fruits, except self-control). Each 3-page chapter begins with a central verse, followed by discussion.
Premise
Thompson’s premise is both biblical and powerful: the fruit of the Spirit is the result of God’s work in us, not our own work. This is SUCH an important message (and one that the Lord has been showing me in multiple books lately— see my reviews of Erika Mathews’ Romance’s Rest and Bill Myers’ Temptation; forthcoming).
It is so easy and so common to mistake the promises of Scripture for works, by omitting portions of verses— missing the point about God being the One to carry out His promises. (Isn’t it interesting that the the “Fruit of the Spirit” passage is in the same book as “You foolish Galatians!” Because it’s not a matter of the flesh.)
Favorite Passages
Although passages are not numbered, this is definitely a book I would recommend as a one-a-day read, because it is so rich and meaningful. Whereas I recently read a devotional that was a bit lighter and felt more like a chat between girlfriends, this book is more intellectual. Thompson offers her real life experiences, making for a personable read. At the same time, she also incorporates long Scripture passages, word studies and block quotes from various theologians (such as Charles Spurgeon and Walter Hansen). There is so much to digest, in each chapter. But, it is also clear that Thompson isn’t simply sharing facts for the sake of knowledge. Instead, she delves into and expounds each idea, crafting deep, meditative devotions.
Here’s a sampling of some of the passages that meant a lot to me:
“We experience the peace of God… when we let go of all self-protection before Him.”
From “Guarded”
"Repentance is just agreeing with God about who He says He is and who He says we are."
From “Joy in the One”
"He also saves us from what we think of ourselves and what others think of us."
From “Gentleness Makes Us Great”
Recommendation
Highly recommended; This is an excellent book that is full of the grace and truth of Jesus. I would especially recommend the title for groups that are looking to study the fruit of the Spirit. However, I think it’s a great resource for Christians, in general.
Scripture Connection
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Gal. 5:22-23
Format
The devotional consists of forty un-numbered chapters, divided into eight sections (one for each of the fruits, except self-control). Each 3-page chapter begins with a central verse, followed by discussion.
Premise
Thompson’s premise is both biblical and powerful: the fruit of the Spirit is the result of God’s work in us, not our own work. This is SUCH an important message (and one that the Lord has been showing me in multiple books lately— see my reviews of Erika Mathews’ Romance’s Rest and Bill Myers’ Temptation; forthcoming).
It is so easy and so common to mistake the promises of Scripture for works, by omitting portions of verses— missing the point about God being the One to carry out His promises. (Isn’t it interesting that the the “Fruit of the Spirit” passage is in the same book as “You foolish Galatians!” Because it’s not a matter of the flesh.)
Favorite Passages
Although passages are not numbered, this is definitely a book I would recommend as a one-a-day read, because it is so rich and meaningful. Whereas I recently read a devotional that was a bit lighter and felt more like a chat between girlfriends, this book is more intellectual. Thompson offers her real life experiences, making for a personable read. At the same time, she also incorporates long Scripture passages, word studies and block quotes from various theologians (such as Charles Spurgeon and Walter Hansen). There is so much to digest, in each chapter. But, it is also clear that Thompson isn’t simply sharing facts for the sake of knowledge. Instead, she delves into and expounds each idea, crafting deep, meditative devotions.
Here’s a sampling of some of the passages that meant a lot to me:
“We experience the peace of God… when we let go of all self-protection before Him.”
From “Guarded”
"Repentance is just agreeing with God about who He says He is and who He says we are."
From “Joy in the One”
"He also saves us from what we think of ourselves and what others think of us."
From “Gentleness Makes Us Great”
Recommendation
Highly recommended; This is an excellent book that is full of the grace and truth of Jesus. I would especially recommend the title for groups that are looking to study the fruit of the Spirit. However, I think it’s a great resource for Christians, in general.
March 8, 2022
Such a refreshing perspective on understanding the fruit of the Spirit—not as a list of behaviors to try (and fail) to emulate but characteristics of God that he displays toward us. Beautiful and engaging writing.
March 13, 2022
I love the premise of this book: “The fruit of the spirit isn’t just something we display. It’s the way God loves us!” I’ve never really looked at it that way.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Each of these attributes embodies how God loves us. And for us to show that kind of love to others, we much not only embrace these qualities, but be embraced in His love.
I love devotional books. They encourage and inspire me to spend quiet, alone time with God. In How God Loves Us, we are presented with 40 days of devotions, neatly categorized into eight categories (5 devotions per category.) The conversational tone is easy to embrace and reveals God’s character and how we can become closer to, and more like Him.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
#MPNews
#Devotional
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Each of these attributes embodies how God loves us. And for us to show that kind of love to others, we much not only embrace these qualities, but be embraced in His love.
I love devotional books. They encourage and inspire me to spend quiet, alone time with God. In How God Loves Us, we are presented with 40 days of devotions, neatly categorized into eight categories (5 devotions per category.) The conversational tone is easy to embrace and reveals God’s character and how we can become closer to, and more like Him.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
#MPNews
#Devotional
August 13, 2022
Beautiful beautiful devotional. So grateful that this has been my companion over recent weeks. Thompson takes the fruit of the spirit and lays out 5 brief devotionals on each - ie love, joy, peace, etc. and approaches them from the vantage point of considering these fruits as
the very dimensions of God’s relentless and beautiful love for His children. Highly recommend this to mature believers needing a refreshing reminder of God’s mercy and kindness. Would be a wonderful read for new followers of Jesus.
the very dimensions of God’s relentless and beautiful love for His children. Highly recommend this to mature believers needing a refreshing reminder of God’s mercy and kindness. Would be a wonderful read for new followers of Jesus.
February 11, 2022
This book is not like any other you've ever read on the fruit of the spirit. This is about the God who embodies the fruit of the spirit. For once, you won't come away disappointed in yourself for failing to live up to God's expectations or your own. Rather, you will be filled with the wonder of a God who loves you so utterly and completely and is always faithful, gentle, and kind.
March 26, 2022
“How God Loves Us: 40 Days to Discovering His Character in the Fruit of the Spirit” is a new book from Moody Publishers written by Jessica Thompson. This special little volume initially drew my attention because it takes such a unique approach to the Fruits of the Spirit as defined in the book of Galatians. Why? Because with Jessica as our guide, we step into the truth that it is because God loves us in these ways - joyfully, peacefully, patiently, kindly, with goodness, faithfully, gently, and with self-control - that we can love others in this way too.
As this book reveals, the fruits of the spirit are not a list that we must check off, or a measuring stick that we need to hold up to see how ‘spiritual’ we are becoming by our actions. Instead, by embracing all the facets of God’s love for us, we can “live by the Spirit… keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). For it is by God’s Spirit in us that we can grow this fruit in our lives - not by our own striving.
Jessica Thompson’s book is divided into relatable, short, daily devotionals that walk us through the Fruits of the Spirit using personal anecdotes, cross-referenced Scripture verses, and a small ‘assignment’ for the day to imprint the teaching into our minds and hearts.
If you would like a fresh look at the well-known verse in Galatians, I highly recommend going through “How God Loves Us” as a daily devotional for the next few weeks. It is gentle, well-written, and most importantly reminds us to seek God’s character. Undoubtedly it will bless you, as it has me.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As this book reveals, the fruits of the spirit are not a list that we must check off, or a measuring stick that we need to hold up to see how ‘spiritual’ we are becoming by our actions. Instead, by embracing all the facets of God’s love for us, we can “live by the Spirit… keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). For it is by God’s Spirit in us that we can grow this fruit in our lives - not by our own striving.
Jessica Thompson’s book is divided into relatable, short, daily devotionals that walk us through the Fruits of the Spirit using personal anecdotes, cross-referenced Scripture verses, and a small ‘assignment’ for the day to imprint the teaching into our minds and hearts.
If you would like a fresh look at the well-known verse in Galatians, I highly recommend going through “How God Loves Us” as a daily devotional for the next few weeks. It is gentle, well-written, and most importantly reminds us to seek God’s character. Undoubtedly it will bless you, as it has me.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 19, 2022
Amazing devotional book that flips the fruit of the Spirit back to who God is and it is not all about US doing or trying to be more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful and gentle. It is about how God is all of those things and how we can rest in that. This came to me at an extremely difficult transition in my life and Jessica’s Spirit-filled words were written with such grace and beauty that I felt such comfort and peace to be reminded daily of how our Savior shows us the fruits of the Spirit!
February 7, 2022
Jessica Thompson is a gifted writer, who shows the reader in this book that “the power to change comes from the Giver of the Fruit”. We fall short every day, every hour, and every minute. Jessica reminds us that God never does, and he loves us and clings to us no matter how often we fall. He doesn’t just tolerate us…he delights in us! The fruit isn’t something we are supposed to master…God embodies the fruit and envelopes us with his love every day!
February 15, 2022
With wisdom, readability, humor, and speaking from the heart, Jess has written a daily companion that will be a balm for your soul. Whether you come weary from the day or from all of life, or are carrying along just fine, these words will encourage you, causing you to think wonderful thoughts about God and His goodness and His love for you. Come to this book for words of rest, refreshment, and encouragement and you won't be disappointed!
March 25, 2022
Short meditations on how we see the fruit of the spirit in God. This quote was my favorite of the whole book “He will never withhold something good from you without giving you Himself instead.”(p143) And the meditation on “Come” in the chapter on Gentleness was just what I needed to hear on the day I read it.
April 5, 2022
Not your typical fruit of the spirit book - just a sweet, story-filled breakdown of the ways God loves us that we might miss when we’re too bent around the axel to notice. Wonderful, deeply thoughtful writing by Jessica! And it’s quick - just pick it up and read (or re-read) a chapter a day, which is what I’ve done over the last several weeks.
April 26, 2022
I used this as my devotional for Lent and it was absolutely lovely! It was cool water for my parched heart- I'd recommend it to one and all :)
November 3, 2023
I enjoyed this book and found it so helpful in getting to know God better.
June 8, 2024
Conversationally written and a great way to start your mornings.
May 13, 2022
This is such a unique and beautiful way to study attributes of God. The chapter on Love is in itself enough reason to read this devo. I started reading this at the beginning of my husband's cancer journey and often shared quotes and entire chapters with him. It encouraged us so much to be reminded that God cares about every detail and how we feel about everything we go through. I love this author and am getting so much out of the book. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews