A Genuine Blessing - The Fruit of the Spirit (cont’d. from Sept. 12th)

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Galations 5:22,23 (Amplified Bible) But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the works which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

On September 12 we considered the fruit of the Spirit in general and the first of nine characteristics, love, in particular. Today we want to give thought to the next four attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. We must remember that we, as individuals, can not create or grow the fruit of the Spirit, but to understand that it is our responsibility as believers to recognize our position in Christ by crucifying our fleshly desires and permit Holy Spirit to produce holy fruit.

JOY Joy differs from happiness. Happiness is generally superficial and short lived where joy should be permanent and has its foundation in the mercy of God as He extends His grace of salvation to us through the sacrifice of Jesus. We should be passionately excited about the blessings of God that we have received, are receiving and shall receive in the dateless future.

PEACE This peace is of a spiritual nature, again rooted in the love that God demonstrated by giving us His Son. Jesus paid for this peace when He opened the door so that we might have a restored harmonious relationship with God.

PATIENCE The evils of life seek whomsoever they may attack. But the sincere Christian who permits Christ to be Lord of his life has a calm spirit with which to face the sins of this society. This grace rescues us from discouragement and assists in the increase of godliness. It enables us not to take revenge when to do so would be easy. This is the same attitude that God has toward man.

KINDNESS Kindness, or gentleness. is a characteristic that does not provoke others. It is an attitude requiring us to put moral goodness into action. It is a spirit leading us to be soft spoken, even-tempered, refined and cultured in our conduct with others.

Father, it is our prayer that our joy will be like a candle on the lampstand, drawing attention to the love of God. May we demonstrate peace, patience and kindness to those we come in contact with this coming week. Amen.

amplified bible attitude calm spirit Evotational fleshly desires forbearance fruit of the holy spirit fruit of the spirit galations 5 gentleness happiness harmonious relationship jesus joy kindness man meekness mercy of god patience peace superficial love Filed under Evotational |