The Fruit of a Healthy Heart
When we allow God to examine and correct us, something beautiful begins to grow.
Paul finishes his letter (2 Corinthians) with five short commands: Rejoice. Be made complete. Be comforted. Be of one mind. Live in peace. (2 Cor 13 v. 11) These are the marks of a spiritually healthy church and a mature believer.
Joy — not the absence of struggle, but the presence of Christ.
Maturity — growing toward wholeness instead of settling for mediocrity.
Comfort — supporting one another in life’s hardships.
Unity — different people, one purpose in the gospel.
Peace — doing our part to make reconciliation possible.
The early Christians even greeted one another with a “holy kiss,” a bold symbol of restored relationship. Examined hearts lead to renewed community.
When believers live humble, grace-filled lives, the church becomes a family marked by joy, unity, and peace — a living witness to a divided world.
Examination leads not to isolation, but to communion. The Spirit’s work of conviction gives way to the Father’s peace and the Son’s joy. This is the fruit of a heart made whole.