But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22–23, NIV
December is a month filled with gift-giving. Students buzz about what they hope to receive, stores overflow with options, and many of us feel the pressure to choose “the perfect gift.” Some gifts will be treasured, some forgotten by New Year’s, and many will eventually end up in the trash—and that’s okay. Material gifts have their place.
But as followers of Christ, we have access to gifts that never fade, break, wear out, or go out of style. What if this year, in the midst of wrapping paper and wish lists, we shifted our focus toward gifts that last—gifts that change hearts and reflect Jesus?
What if the best gifts we give this season have nothing to do with what’s in a box?
Love. Not the world’s version of love, but the love Jesus modeled—agape love. Unconditional, selfless, and freely given. Maybe the greatest gift you can give a student, colleague, or even a family member this week is choosing to show love when it isn’t easy.
Joy. Many educators walk into classrooms carrying heavy loads: pressures, expectations, and sometimes discouragement. What if one of the best gifts we give is showing up each day with the joy of the Lord—a joy not rooted in circumstances, but in who our Savior is?
Peace. Schools can be stressful environments—miscommunication, misunderstandings, and conflicts are inevitable. But what if you were the one who chose peace? No drama. No stirring the pot. A calm, Christlike presence in the midst of tension.
Patience. Every classroom, school office, and hallway holds someone who needs the gift of patience. Maybe it’s the student who explodes instead of asking for help. Maybe it’s the coworker who pushes your buttons. Patience looks like a calm voice, a slow response, a willingness to teach again instead of criticize.
Kindness. Is there a parent who always seems left out? A colleague who is overlooked? A student who rarely hears something positive? A simple act of kindness may be the gift that reminds them they matter.
Faithfulness.
Sometimes faithfulness is as simple as following through. Doing what you said you would do. Being dependable, prepared, and willing, not for the praise of others, but as service to Christ.
Self-control. The holidays bring temptations—overreacting, overindulging, comparing, resenting. What if one of the greatest gifts you give yourself this December is the discipline to say no when the flesh pulls and yes to the Holy Spirit’s leading?
What better way to honor Christ this Christmas than to offer these gifts back to Him? By putting the Fruit of the Spirit on display in classrooms, halls, staff rooms, meetings, and even in the quiet moments no one sees but God.
Jesus came not only to save us, but to fill us with His Spirit so that His character could flow through us. Let’s celebrate His birth by giving what He’s already placed within us.
My God, Father, and Savior, thank You for giving us Jesus, the greatest gift of all. Help me share Your love through the Fruit of the Spirit in every interaction today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright Dr. Jackie Minor.
Dr. Jackie Minor is the Director of Victorious Educator Ministries and the author of the newly released book: Taking Jesus to School: The Fruit of the Spirit on Display. You can connect with her or learn more at www.victoriouseducator.com.
