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A Study of the Fruit of the Spirit
“gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:23). “Gentleness,” translated meekness in the King James Version, is a quality that is brought into play as we come before God but also as we deal our fellows—it is an outward action whereas meekness is more of an inward quality. As God’s people, we are to be gentle toward all with whom we deal in our everyday lives—not just with those who are gentle toward us; consequently, we display this same gentleness toward people who are rude and insulting to us, not responding in kind. Conquering this quality requires a big supply of self-control—it is not natural to respond to rudeness with gentleness, but Paul teaches that we must if we are to manifest the kind of spirit God wants us to. This kind of behavior will allow others to see Jesus living in us and will open up the potential for us to lead them to Him. A Study of the Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22). The word “faithfulness,” as used in this passage, can have two shades of meaning. It can refer to our devotion to God and to our complete trust in Him. Or it can refer to our own trustworthiness in our relationship with each other—that is, to our fidelity to be honest and keep our word. Both meanings come out of our allowing the Spirit to teach us, through the inspired Word. It is through the Word that we know God and that we know the kind of disposition God wants us to have and the kind of life-style He wants us to live. Faithfulness to God will lead us to the eternal home that He has prepared for those who love Him enough to obey Him. Trustworthiness in our dealings with each other will allow us happiness and peace in our everyday lives. A Study of the Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22). “Goodness” is a moral quality—it is a virtue—that describes a character whose heart has been molded toward positive, trusting feelings toward others and whose behavior toward others is peaceful and benevolent. It envelopes several of the other qualities named here as the fruit of the spirit. Complete “goodness” is a trait we can associate only with deity; yet we are taught here and in other scriptures to exhibit goodness, that is, active benevolence, toward others if we are manifesting the fruit of the Spirit. The trait of goodness begins inside of us—it requires that we have a sincere heart and a genuine interest in the well-being of other people. And then it is manifested outwardly as we interact with others and treat them well.. A Study of the Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22). To “suffer long” is to delay reaction or even punishment toward people and situations that do not appear to be the way we think they should be. Our human nature leads us to react instantly. Suffering long can cause us to become a more patient person if we open ourselves up to such learning. “Kindness,” translated gentleness in the King James Version, has to do with a sweet disposition and is indicative of a person who has learned the art of longsuffering. As well, a kind person is one who can be easily entreated when corrected or when approached about a sensitive issue. Kindness leads us to be gentle in our dealing with others and helps us realize we must return good for evil if we are to demonstrate the spirit of Christ—even toward those who don’t treat us well. |
Joe NortonArchives
September 2023
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