Deep Roots, Good Fruit

This was a delightful read where the author wove together personal stories with truths from Scripture. Using real life illustrations brought the fruit of the Spirit to light in a tangible way, highlighting the impact that a person reflecting Christ in their daily lives can have on others. As Christians, we are called to make disciples, to share the good news of the gospel, and to live in a way that honors God. The personal stories included in this book were such clear illustrations of those commands, making me want to live like the Godly people within the stories.

What I took away from each story was how the Spirit works through daily, ordinary lives in seemingly simple and mundane ways. There’s no fanfare or hoopla, just regular everyday situations where people are embodying the Spirit of Christ. These examples are proof of how the Spirit works within God’s people to transform us into the likeness of Christ. As our roots grow deep, the good fruit of the Spirit flows forth.

The book includes reflection questions at the end for each chapter. I did not use these, but they’d be great for a small group discussion.

How can the fruit of the Spirit transform your daily life and relationships? In Deep Roots, Good Fruit, Kristin Elizabeth Couch helps you see the fruit of the Spirit through story and Scripture.

Love and Joy

I’ve read countless books on the fruit of the Spirit, and this book sings. The book begins with a big truth: Love gives sacrificially ...— it requires loss. The thought that Jesus loves me in this way brings supernatural joy.

Couch has an excellent ability to write with nuance. She reminds us that to embrace peace amidst fear is not to disregard our feelings. But neither are we to crawl through trials, chained to our emotions, allowing ourselves to be led by fickle feelings. The Holy Spirit gives the gift of peace as we stand on the solid rock of Jesus.

Kind and Self-Controlled

I was most moved to read how the church is to be a place of refuge, unusually kind during life’s tempests. It was the word “unusually” that took me off guard – but it makes sense. The world is cruel. Christians are kind. I am motivated to exude the warm and simple kindness that Christ exemplifies – not needing to be extravagant or exorbitant, but strong and steadfast.

The book ends by showing how self-control is best rooted in our Savior. Deep Roots, Good Fruit is a beautiful book to read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the fruit of the Spirit, offering profound insights and practical guidance for both new believers and seasoned Christians.

I received a media copy of Deep Roots, Good Fruit and this is my honest review.

This is a shortened version of my full review, which is available here: https://www.lifeisstory.com/nonfiction/deep-roots-good-fruit-seeing-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-through-story-scripture-kristin-elizabeth-couch/

This book teaches about the Fruit of the Spirit in a gospel-centered way, and it is full of vivid, well-written stories from the author's life. Couch shares examples of how she has seen the Fruit of the Spirit in different people's lives, and she also tells some stories about vices, sharing stories about people who behaved in impatient or harsh ways that sharply contrasted with others' ...virtues. Couch shows what a difference it makes to other people for us to show spiritual fruit in our interactions with them, and she weaves in Scripture passages throughout each chapter to reflect on different virtues.

I mostly enjoyed this book, but am docking my rating because of graphic violence in one of the stories Couch shared. At the beginning of the first chapter, she startles readers with the horrific details of a car accident that nearly killed a child and horribly disfigured him for life. I have read many truly horrific things, but this is near the top of the list, especially because it came out of nowhere. At least when I read nonfiction about wars, I'm prepared for violence. When I am reading a Christian living book primarily targeted to women, the last thing I expect is to read a graphic description of an unspeakable horror.

I found this book thought-provoking, engaging, and encouraging overall, but feel obligated to give the trigger warning that the author and the publisher did not. If you don't think you can handle reading about the details of the car accident, you can skip page 16. At the very least, you'll know to expect it. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but that part was so jarring and awful that I feel obligated to focus on it in this review.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.