Fruits of the Spirit

I desire to live out a "good confession" of faith, always demonstrating

the reality of the changes God has made in my life.

Daily I want to display all the "fruits of the Spirit", (love, joy,

peace, patience, gentleness, meekness, self-control), as these continue to

develop inside me over my lifetime.

And may each of these fruits, as the Bible calls them, become sweet

fragrances that exude from my soul to ultimately bless those who live and work

around me.

For example, earlier today two fellow prisoners came to me at different

times to tell me that I've been a big encouragement to them.

One man said he was thankful that I was his neighbor. He told me that I

have been an inspiration to him and that he sees God in my life.

A second man made his approach while I was walking by myself in the snowy

recreation yard. He came up to me, gave me a big hug, and then proceeded to

thank me for being a friend, and for keeping him in my prayers.

I've only known these men casually, at best, although they've been with me

in this prison for several years. However I was quick to give God all the

thanks and praise. Yet I was touched by their openness and kindness, and by

their surprise displays of gratitude.

The Lord has been very good to me.

David Berkowitz

January 15, 2004