Show don’t tell. It’s a popular imperative in writing classes. Modified a bit—tell but also show—this little phrase is a wonderful strategy for teaching new concepts to young learners. The apostle Paul employed it to teach new believers as he passed the torch to the leaders of the churches, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:9)
I often teach this way in my elementary classroom. It’s one thing to tell a student that 3×2=6, or that a fraction is simply a part of a whole. It’s quite another to make three groups of Lego blocks with two blocks in each group, or cut a cake into equal parts. Showing takes an imperative or truth and supplants it deeper into our thinking.
The newest book by author Kristin Couch, Deep Roots, Good Fruit, is a perfect example of teaching through showing. I’ve been reading Kristin’s weekly blog posts for almost three years now and have been blessed and encouraged by each one as she weaves life’s regular moments into a beautiful God-centered story deeply rooted in the truth of Scripture. When she asked her readers for volunteers to join her book launch team, I was quick to respond. I’m so glad I did.
Deep Roots, Good Fruit is a short, easy to read book about the fruit of the Spirit in the ordinary lives of regular believers like you and me. Each of the nine attributes of the fruit of the Spirit has it’s own chapter and each it’s own wonderfully woven example, showing the reader what the fruit looks like in a Spirit filled follower of Jesus.
As you read this book you’ll see sacrificial love on display through the attitude and actions of a father toward his scarred and disfigured son. You’ll desire to bear the fruit of kindness, as one woman did, donning fuzzy slippers and simple hospitality as she unknowingly offered a place of refuge to a weary soul. Gentleness contrasted in a story of the author’s work place, goodness displayed through a grandfather you’ll long for as your own, these and more you will discover in this book.
Each story drew me in irresistibly. I felt like I was cozied up in the corner of a comfy couch in the living room of Kristin’s ordinary life, blanket wrapped around me and a hot cocoa in my hand. With each story I saw the fruit of the Spirit alive and well in the simple, mundane moments of life. Now, when I think of goodness, I picture a grandfather, eyes lit with beams of love and a smile to brighten any room, always so generous and kind. When I think of love, I see a frail boy lifted on a father’s shoulders, high above mocking glances and whispers. When I think of peace, I’m reassured of the Saviour who faithfully upholds his own even through the fear of the greatest storm.
The amazing thing about learning more of the fruit of the Spirit in this way? I discovered it isn’t complicated. I don’t know about you, but I do tend of overcomplicate things as I make big plans toward this or that so I can do more better—an attempt to bear the fruit myself. Deep Roots, Good Fruit helped me to see what I knew deep down already—the fruit is not of me, it is the fruit of the Spirit, as I do the obedient next thing that is usually right in front of me.
At the back of the book you will find opportunity for reflection—three or four questions which challenge the reader to go forward in obedience and truth. After reading this book I have been inspired to walk more worthy of the Lord.
Deep Roots, Good Fruit is not a deep theological treatise on Galatians 5:22-23. It is a compilation of authentic stories about God who works even in the quiet ordinariness of our lives. I’ll let Kristin’s own words from the introduction of the book sum it up:
“So come along with me as we explore love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control through story and God’s word…. My hope is that as you meditate on these attributes, you will long for them more deeply, pray for them more fervently, and catch increasing glimpses of them in your own life and the lives of believers you love.”
Excited to read it? I highly recommend it! Where to find Deep Roots, Good Fruit:
- You can buy direct from The Good Book Company
- Canadian readers you can find it on Amazon.ca
- American and other readers you can find it at Amazon.com
I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did! Feel free to leave a comment below to tell me about it, I’d love to hear from you.
The Light for My Path 