The True Tree: Spirit Led Identity
Emotions are real, but they aren’t ultimate.
They are signals, not definitions. The Spirit leads us to name them, but not be ruled by them
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Anatomy of this tree
Walk through the core parts of this tree, starting with the root of truth and tracing it to the fruit it produces. Expand each section for reflection prompts and Scripture to anchor the truth.
Root — Core biblical truth
Identity in Christ, not in feelings
Reflect: Where could your worth be anchored apart from today’s mood?
Trunk — Foundational belief
Spirit-led guidance
Reflect: What simple prayer helps you invite the Spirit before you act?
Branches — Reinforcing patterns
- Discernment
- Patience
- Wise expression
Reflect: Which of these practices would most change this week’s hardest moment?
Leaves — Everyday actions
- Naming the feeling
- 3-breath pause + prayer
- Speaking truth in love
Prompt: What small cue (note on phone, sticky, watch buzz) will remind you to pause today?
Fruit — Visible outcomes
- Peace
- Stability
- Trustworthiness
- Growth
Reflection: Which of these outcomes do you most want to cultivate?
New Fruit
| Old Fruit (what you’ve known) | New Fruit (what grows here) |
|---|---|
| Outbursts — reactions that fracture trust | Peace — a calm rootedness that steadies responses |
| Withdrawal — pulling away in fear or shame | Connection — choosing presence even when it feels risky |
| Impulsivity — acting before discernment | Patience — giving space for wisdom to guide action |
| Shame — being ruled by regret and self-contempt | Freedom — living from grace instead of guilt |
Next Steps
- Pause + Pray: When strong emotion rises, take 3 breaths and pray, “Holy Spirit, lead me here.”
- Name without enthroning: Journal your feeling as data, not as definition.
- Choose one Spirit-fruit: Ask, “What would patience/peace/love look like here?”