It’s easy to look around us and get discouraged. It’s useful to consider how things are different when we live in Christ-like love. This duality isn’t new. Picture a writer in ancient Israel walking the streets of his city. He goes home and writes a prayer that the Lord speak peace to his followers and revive in them a living faith. 

God inspired the psalmist’s vision of a better way: “Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven” (85:9-11).

This idyllic scenario is God’s vision; he kindles it and provides the sustenance. He’s capable of direct intervention, but often he uses his people as his hands and feet. We’re commissioned to be bearers of good news and healing, to share the fruit of a living faith.

What is the fruit that we have to offer? In this psalm it’s described as love, righteousness, faithfulness, and peace. In the New Testament, we think of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

Does this fruit of faith characterize how you bring Christ to the place you live or characterize your faith community?

Love is the distinguishing characteristic of Jesus’ followers. Christ’s unconditional love is the healing we offer. The fruit of Christ-like love is an oasis that we Christians can provide in our corners of the kingdom.