But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

Devotion:

I remember when our first child was born and the feeling we experienced as we left the security of the hospital staff: the nurse wrapped up our new package and sent us home with that look of, “ Good luck, clueless father.” 

I recall the flood of joy and fear—I was now responsible for the care and welfare of this human being—as we were driving away with our newborn package. Thankfully, my wife and I did figure it out, and that young man will turn 16 this month. We also had another package delivered to the same hospital two years later, and that young man will turn 14 in December. 

About five years ago, my favorite caregiver started showing signs of dementia, resulting in a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. This began the journey of my father (now the primary caregiver) and my family caring for my mom, the one who had always cared for us. Alzheimer’s disease is often referred to as “the long goodbye.” My mom no longer recognizes her grandchildren. She no longer recalls her wedding anniversary or my dad’s birthday. Without assistance, she cannot navigate basic daily living skills. We are saying “goodbye” little by little, every day.

I have the privilege of leading a support group here at Crossings for other caregivers who are in the process of a long goodbye. Watching my dad and now these caregivers, I notice the Fruit of the Spirit in a new way. Caregiving for a family member with Alzheimer's is a lonely assignment as gradually the loved one no longer interacts at the level they did before. 

Initially the caregiver can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to fear and despair. As believers in Christ, I see these caregivers move out of fear and towards unconditional love. This move requires the power of the Holy Spirit to infuse them with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As a caregiver, you cannot survive with just kindness. You need the rest of the character traits to serve and maintain this calling upon your life. 

There is a saying that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” A single thing made of many separate parts can be more important, worthwhile, beautiful, or in some other way "greater" than all of the individual elements on their own. 

The best example I heard to explain this concept is that if you take all the parts of a watch and lay them out on the table, they will not tell the time the way an assembled watch does. I believe this is the beauty of the Fruit of the Spirit: together they strengthen us to accomplish God’s important, worthwhile, beautiful plan of taking care of others— especially those who used to take care of us.

PRAYER

Father, 

I know I cannot develop the Fruit of Your Holy Spirit through my effort or will, but only as I rest in Christ. Help me to abide in You, I pray.

Amen.

Scott Conrad is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with LifeCare Ministries at Crossings. He desires to be an instrument of encouragement and hope to those who are hurting and point them to Christ.

Resources: 

• Explore LifeCare resources and groups 
• Learn more about Alzheimer’s support group
• Watch “Prayer & the Holy Spirit” message

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