The Good Life Part 6

November 20, 2024

The Good Life Part 6

In the spiritual life, we live The Good Life when connected to our divine spirit. This week our Daily Reflections on The Good Life include the Nine Fruits of the Spirit named by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians. These nine soul qualities are of supreme value. Today, we reflect on the last three Fruits of the Spirit.

Point Seven: Self-control. The unhealthy Type Seven struggles with over-indulgence. Gluttony and the over-consumption of anything is the ego’s way of dulling Sevens to pain, which they seemingly avoid at all costs. Losing self-control brings them tremendous suffering; their minds, bodies, and hearts disintegrate as they put self-gratification before everything. Though self-control doesn’t come easily to unhealthy Sevens, by returning to their soul child at Point Nine, they re-embody their virtue of sobriety and their essence of Holy Wisdom, Holy Work, and Holy Plan. Self-control is actually ego control, a fruit of their transformed spirit. Once Sevens shift to the soul, they naturally control their ego’s impulses. Theirs is a pure expression of self-control.

Point Eight: Gentleness. Unhealthy Type Eights were separated from their essence of compassion. They were forced to put on an ego of intimidation and strength to disguise their weaknesses. As a result, they set up their kingdoms, controlled others, and rule by intimidation and vengeance. Healthy Eights, however, use their power for the good of all and become servant leaders. They have returned to Point Two, the energy of their soul child whose essence is compassion and benevolence. Now, they can accept the truth (their Holy Idea is Holy Truth), which includes their weaknesses as well as their strengths. Once in touch with their weaknesses, they embody the self-compassion they so need. With self-compassion and compassion for everyone, they embody their soul’s quality of gentleness. Theirs is the purest of gentleness.

Point Nine: Love. Type Nines were soul children at Point Three, but when they separated from their soul child, they forgot their Holy Idea of Holy Love. They were never able to love themselves fully. Instead, they merged with others, hoping to feel total acceptance from them — acceptance they could not give themselves. In their unhealthy ego, they avoided all conflict while trying not to matter. They shut down and fell asleep on life. But in returning to their soul child at Point Three, they reunite with Holy Love, their Holy Idea. They embrace their virtue of diligence and awaken to their life, value, and worth. Because they can now love themselves, they can genuinely love others. They actively express love because they have overcome their most significant obstacle: the lack of love for themselves.

Spiritual practice: Answer the following: How do you express Self-control, Gentleness, and Love?

Dear God,

I pray for Self-Control, Gentleness, and to Love well. I pray to bear all the fruits of your spirit. Amen