But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. —James 3:17–18
According to the Bible, followers of Jesus are not fearful people. Followers of Jesus are not angry people. Followers of Jesus are the least offendable people in the world because they are not of the world. Ironically, the world agrees with this Biblical assessment of Christians.
Read many Christian posts on social media sites, interact with many church-goers and you often find otherwise.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit—that succulent love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control—grow on us for others to enjoy—a vine doesn’t eat its own fruit. And the fruit is sweet and nourishing and good, because Jesus is good.
When did so many followers of Jesus forget this, I wonder, and why?
How do we taste to others today? How do we taste to Jesus?
Have a flavorful day.
—j
(The artist is the talented Kim Blair of Edmonton, Canada; the piece is called “Foiled Tangelo”)
Jay McCarl 
I think for American Christians (a paradoxical title no doubt ) the change is tied to the idea that the U.S. is special to God, as a nation. Somehow this leads to hope in a “Godly” government and consequential anger when results are not as expected. I know for me, the political climate has affected even my understanding of the pledge of allegiance…who really is my liege?
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Thank you for the food for thought. I just don’t know who convicts me faster my own mouth or my fellow Christians who are helping me stay the course. I’m sorry that isn’t always the case. Yo, Christian’s, “I saw that.” God
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