The fruits of the Spirit are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control — attributes that many of us attempt to live out in the truest sense, though we (myself foremost) often fall short of in one aspect or another.  I strive to be a better Christian, to be more like our loving Savior, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, when suddenly I am propelled into my old human self and lose any and all patience and gentleness that existed. I set aside control to ultimately blurt out words that are hurtful and instantly regrettable.  This is unbecoming of a loving brother and Christian, much less an elder.

On February 24 this year, we finished up our Sunday school class and were about to end the Zoom call.  A cheerful face reminded us of next week’s topic and said that he would see us in a few minutes at church service.  This was the last image and voice we had of Elder Leonard Leo, who shortly thereafter experienced a heart attack and departed this world to join our Lord Jesus in heaven.

As many people have attested, Elder Leonard exemplified that person whom Paul was writing about to the Galatians: someone filled with the Holy Spirit who lived constantly by the fruits.  We never saw Elder Leonard lose control or show anger, not even once.  We experienced his love toward others and his care for refugees in Clarkston. He was a peacemaker at heart and focused on calming even the tensest situations with his unbreakable patience and gentleness.  When called to serve for anything, he faithfully and cheerfully stepped in to fill the need.  Elder Leonard was well-versed in Bible scriptures and educated us with passages during our discussions.  We all remember his contagious laugh with his uplifting sense of humor, and we were blessed by Elder Leonard’s humble and joyous leadership for many years.

1 Timothy 4:4-8 reads,

“⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.  ⁶ If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

These words are representative of our beloved leader in every way.  Elder Leonard, we thank you for your faithfulness in serving our church and our Lord Jesus Christ.  We have joy in knowing that you are in a better place, in union with our Father, and are confident that our Savior has told you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  You are a dear brother and a godly man for all of us to emulate.