Who is fruitful?
Many Christians believe that the indication of true spirituality and maturity in Christ can be assessed by looking at the evidence of gifts of the Spirit in an individual. Others believe that the fruit of the Spirit demonstrated in the life of a believer is a better assessment.
The Apostle Paul presents a case that both gifts and fruit are necessary:
“If I speak in the tongues of men and angels (gift of the Spirit) but have not love, (fruit of the Spirit) I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, (all gifts of the Spirit) but have not love, I am nothing (fruit of the Spirit).” 1 Corinthians 13:1-2
The list of the Fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
Which fruit do you find most of in your life?
Which fruit do you find the most difficult to cultivate?
Which fruit is the primary fruit we must have?
The bible tells us “God is Love.” (1 John 4:8). The list of the fruit of the Spirit begins with LOVE and from love the other 8 characteristics of the Spirit of God will be manifest.
The fruit of the Spirit is not a collection of unrelated fruits, which can be selected or neglected according to our personal preference, situation, circumstance, or agenda.
The fruit comes as a whole package, cultivated and matured only by being in the right relationship to God. The Bible confirms this “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Each of the nine fruit or character traits can be seen in the life of Christ. He is our pattern, our example and our source for leading a fruitful, fruit filled life. This is clearly seen in John 15:4 “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
The characteristics of God, found in the fruit of the Spirit, are not a suggestion for a fulfilled life; this is a command we need to obey. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5
Jesus was asked the question, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” And Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love you neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40
The fruit of the Spirit deals directly with our character – character deals with our integrity - our integrity is who we are when no one else is looking, our integrity is what is really going on inside us.
How does the way we react to situations or circumstances demonstrate what is on the inside of us? Our character is more important than any gift we have, if we are operating in the gifts of the Spirit without the fruit of the Spirit, we damage the Gospel: “By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:16-23
Fruit – bearing will be painful for the believer:
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even be more fruitful.” John 15:2
Fruit – bearing will bring glory to God: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” John 15:16
What happens if we do not bear fruit? We do not bring glory to God. Colossians makes it clear that we bear fruit by growing in the knowledge of God:“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10
Hosea states that God’s people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6.
The goal of every believer is to bring glory to God and one way we can do this is to grow in experiential knowledge of God.
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah17:7-8
Other Scripture references regarding fruit in a believer’s life: Romans 6:22, Romans 7:4, Philippians 4:17, James 3:18, Jude 12, Revelation 22:2
There are a total of 67 verses in the New Testament that have to do with fruit. 54 come from the same root Greek word “harpazdo” which translates out:
“to catch, to seize, to take by force.”
Bearing fruit is something that has to be worked out and worked at. However nothing is more fulfilling to a Christian than to know that he/she is living a life pleasing to God (Col 1:10).
The fruit of Love
There are four Greek words that we translate as “Love.” Do you know what they are and what the mean?
Eros – physical love (motivated by pleasure) – Not used in the New Testament.
Stergo – love between people and a ruler (motivated by authority/title/position) – Not used in the New Testament.
Phileo – brotherly love (motivated by affection/fondness). This is never used as a command, rather as a warning. There are 20 references to this type of Love in the New Testament.
Agape – Unconditional love (motivated by Christ, 2nd Cor. 5:14). This is used as a command. There are 155 references to this type of Love in the New Testament.
“…You shall Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
“…You shall Love your neighbour as yourself.” Matthew 22:39
There is such an importance placed on this commandment that Jesus tells us: “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:40.
God is the source of Agape love
God’s Love for us: “By this the Love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is Love, not that we loved God, but that He Loved us and sent His Son to be a propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10
“For God so Loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“But God demonstrates His own Love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“…so that the Love with which you have love Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:26
Love is an infinite attribute of God. Through Jesus Christ and His death on the Cross we experience the love God the Father has towards us. God also requires us to give back Agape love to Him and to the world we live in.
Agape Love for God
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.” Deuteronomy 6:5-6
“And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12
“This is Love for God: to obey His commands and His commands are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3
Knowing that this love is “natural” for God, we also must know that this must be acquired by us. The only way to acquire this type of love is to recognize what God did for us in Jesus. We are also commanded to give this type of love away. “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 We need to respond to the love that was first shown to us.
Agape love for people
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
“This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.” John 15:12
“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
“…and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:2
“For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” 1 John 3:11
“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.” 1 John 3:14
“We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” 1 John 3:16-17
“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” 1 John 3:23
“Beloved let us love one another, for love comes from God…” 1 John 4:7
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1st John 4:11
“If someone says, ‘I love God’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this is the commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”
1 John 4:20-21
The commandment is to first love God. The second is to love people. Knowing that Christ loved us while we were enemies with Him, He requires us to love our enemies with the same love that was shown to us. This is the pruning part of bearing the fruit of love.
Agape love for enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you ‘love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you my be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” Matthew 5: 43-47
This is Agape love in action. True love is like true faith, without works it is dead.
Phileo love in the New Testament.
Again these are not used in the context of a command, rather as a warning.
“Let love be without hypocrisy…” Romans 12:9
“If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed…” 1 Corinthians 16:22
“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10
“Let love of the brethren continue.” Hebrews 13:1
“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart…” 1st Peter 1:22
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19
God commands Agape love from us and also requires Phileo love from us, love takes priority in time as well as importance. Jesus spoke with Peter after His resurrection:
“Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me more than these? He said to Him, ‘yes Lord; You know I love (phileo) You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my lambs.’ He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.’ He said to him, ‘Shepherd My sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time ‘do you love me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (phileo) You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’” John 21:15-17
The definition of Love is: “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails… But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a, 13
The fruit of Joy
The dictionary defines joy as “exultation of spirit; gladness; delight.”
Why must Christians be careful not to mistake joy for happiness? Happiness is an emotion that is dependant on positive circumstances or situations.
The word joy, or a variation of the word, appears 330 times in the Bible. Happiness only appears 26 times.
The preacher and commentator Matthew Henry made theses statements after being robbed:
“Let me rejoice and be thankful.
First, because I was never robbed before
Second, because although they took my wallet, they didn’t take my life.
Third, because although they took my all, it wasn’t much.
Fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”
The Bible makes it clear that our joy is different than that of Jesus. “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:11
As Agape Love, Joy is an eternal characteristic of God. God is consistent in His nature, “For I the Lord do not change” Malachi 3:6. His eternal characteristic of Joy is constant no matter what the circumstances or situation might be.
Jesus’ Joy
“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the JOY set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
Jesus had purpose
“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11
“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
Without a vision or purpose in our lives, the Bible says that we perish. “Where there is no vision the people perish…” Proverbs 29:18
Jesus knew where to find Joy
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.” Psalms 51:12
Jesus knew the Result of Joy
“Consider it pure joy, my Brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
The fruit of Peace
Today when we meet someone we say “Hello” what was a usual word of greeting in Bible times?
Shalom (peace) was a word of greeting and farewell in both the Old and New Testament.
It is found at either the beginning or the end of nearly all of the New Testament epistles.
(James and 1 John are the exceptions).
Shalom usually means “freedom from strife whether internal or external.” and “security from outward enemies as well as calm of heart.”
Jesus is the prime example of this peace. “And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Hush be still.’ And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.” Mark 4:37-39
“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14
Peace with God
The first and most important step to achieving biblical peace is through faith in Jesus Christ. By His atoning death on the Cross we are reconciled to God and that’s good news.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
“Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 5:11
“…and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things I heaven by making peace through His blood, shed on the Cross.” Colossians 1:20
Because we have peace with God, we have available to us the peace of God!
Peace of God
This is defined as “a sense of calm and complete absence of hostility and fear in the heart, enabling on to devote his/her total energies with poise and purpose to the task at hand.”
“And His name will be called…Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
Prayer + Praise = Peace
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1Peter 5:7
We cannot fully trust God when we are worrying, we cannot worry when we completely trust God.
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you.” Isaiah 26:3
Where does perfect peace come from? This perfect peace and calmness comes from a constant, unbroken, trusting love relationship with God, pursuing and maintaining a vibrant relationship with Him.
Having the peace of God in our lives will allow us to live at peace with others. “Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:50
Peace with Man
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
Peace and holiness go hand in hand. Pursuing peace, achieving holiness.
“Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:11 –
The fruit of Patience
Patience is a characteristic of God that is shown in both the Old and New Testament. He was patient with the children of Israel and He is patient with us: “The Lord is not slow about keeping His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2nd Peter 3:9
“But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the Word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance (patience).” Luke 8:15
“Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
Patience is mentioned 50 times in the Bible. In the New Testament patience carries two basic ideas or principles: The first is “bearing up under suffering or despair,” and the other suggests “self-restraint in the face of unsatisfied desires.”
Why is patience a difficult fruit for many?
Patience is an attribute and characteristic that we must strive for: “Anyone who goes to far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9. The seriousness of this teaching is shown. Heaven and Hell hang in the balance of this teaching: “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience” Colossians 1:11
Being children of God, does not mean that we will always be treated fairly by others. Perhaps one of the most difficult lessons to be learned by the believer is how to react to unjust treatment at the hands of other people, especially other Christians.
Mistreatment followed Christ so we shouldn’t be surprised when it follows us. The question is how should we will react to unjust treatment?
Let’s look at a few passages and remember, these are written to the churches not to the world.
“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
“So, those who have been chosen of God, holy
and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Colossians 3:12-13
The fruit of patience, allows us to live a forgiven and forgiving life. Knowing that these verses are written to the church, gives us insight into our relationships within the body. Satan would rather have a church at odds with each other, than have anything else.
“And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Suffering produces patience
How we pray, and what we pray for will determine our circumstances. Patience will very rarely come delivered to you on a silver platter. God may answer your prayer by permitting you to experience trials and tribulation - nothing brings more glory to God than a Christian who bears the fruit of Christ while going through difficult times.
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope”
Romans 5:3-4
“rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted by prayer” Romans 12:12
“therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.”
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5
“For you have the need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised.” Hebrews 10:36
“knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (patience). And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:3-4
“For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favour with God.”
1 Peter 2:20
Other Scripture’s referring to the Fruit of Patience: Psalm 37:7, Psalm 40:1 & Hebrews 6:15
The fruit of Kindness
God’s kindness toward us is revealed completely and perfectly in His Son Jesus Christ.
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realm in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6-7
“But when the kindness of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us…” Titus 3:4-5.
The fruit of kindness can be found at least 50 times in the Bible. This fruit has several different elements:
True kindness is gentle
The symbol of the Holy Spirit is the dove, a non-quarreling bird. Kindness is often found in the bible being used as the opposite of quarrelsome. It is also found in the context of servant hood.
“And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” 2 Timothy 2:24
“Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.” 2 Corinthians 6:4-6
True kindness is compassionate
What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? This is not sympathy, but empathy. Sympathy is “feeling sorry for” while empathy is “feeling sorry with.” It is putting ourselves in another’s place and doing all that we can to meet their needs. This kindness is found in Jesus Christ, our source and example of bearing fruit: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…He emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5,7
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
True kindness is forgiving
When we offer kindness rather than bitterness, this shows the character of God: “Or do you think lightly of the richness of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
True kindness redirects and restores
“Brethren, even if anyone is caught is any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such one in a spirit of gentleness” Galatians 6:1
“Let a righteousness strike me – it is a kindness; let him rebuke me – it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.” Psalm 141:5
The fruit of Goodness
Why do so many in the world assume that “good people” will make it into heaven? The assumption is not biblical. The biblical meaning of goodness, is much more than just the avoidance of evil. It carries with it so much more than that.
Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me your glory!” And He said, “I myself will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you…” Exodus 33:18-19
God’s goodness carries with it the idea of His sovereignty, His nature, His character, His liberating power, His reproof or reproach of evil things.
We are to take a stand for righteousness, even if nobody else will. God’s goodness shines into our lives and that light in us shines into the darkness.
“for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth” Ephesians 5:9
God’s goodness for God’s glory
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you can, do good!
John Wesley
“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10
“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11
“Live such good lives among the pagans, that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12
The fruit of faithfulness
The Bible speaks about faithfulness in all areas of our lives. Faithfulness is a direct result of our love relationship with the Lord.:“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3
The word faithful, or one of its derivatives is found 109 times in the Bible. It is used in the Old Testament as meaning stability as well as truth. It is used in a moral sense as to be true or certain.
In the New Testament it is used as trustworthy, sure and true. As well as these, it is more profoundly used as a verb meaning to convince by inward certainty, to make friends by persuading their trust to yield.
How often do we want to experience the blessings of the end result without going through the process? Faithfulness through the pain and through the process is where the blessings of God are found, NOT just in the end result. The biblical foundation carries strong emphasis on being trustworthy, loyal, reliable and the ability to remain steadfast.
Are we being faithful throughout our lives with the tools that our Lord has given us?
“A faithful man will be richly blessed…”
Proverbs 28:20
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
Faithfulness is more than just an appearance, it is more than just showing up. Jesus rebuked the religious for their lack of faithfulness: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Matthew 23:23
The Christian who is faithful will first be faithful to God. Second, faithful to family and to church, remaining a faithful steward of the gifts and talents that God has given to him. It’s not about needing other things to be faithful.
Are you faithful with what God has given you.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” Matthew 16: 10-12
The fruit of Gentleness
In the Septuagint (an ancient translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into the Greek New Testament), the word “gentleness” is translated and used as “one who is humble in disposition and character: one who is submissive under the divine will.” The English translation of “gentleness” refers to “meekness,” suggesting the submission to another without the resistance to the wrongs of others.
There are 2 New Testament definitions of “gentleness.” One is used in the context of man’s gentleness, and the other is used in the context of God’s gentleness. Man’s gentleness refers to kindness, and meekness. God’s refers to the appropriate timing for the mild patience of God to be shown.
God’s Gentleness
We see God’s gentleness in action in the life of King David: “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation: and Your gentleness has made me great.” 2 Samuel 22:36
David wrote about the gentleness of God: “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand has held me up: Your gentleness has made me great.” Psalm 18:35
Man’s gentleness
The word meekness does mean “weakness”- the meaning is “strength under control.” It has the idea of a trained horse – incredibly strong, but when bridled, under control, they have not lost their strength, they just have restrained it. Not abusing it, but using it at the appropriate time.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
The fruit of Self-control
The last Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 is that of Self-Control.
The King James version refers to this as temperance. It means to have “master over one’s own desires and impulses.”
The New Testament translation of self-control means “to have an inward strength.”
In the list of qualifications for church leadership, Paul says:“ Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” Titus 1:8
We need self-control in regard to our sinful nature and desires: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11
Even our perfectly legitimate physical longings and cravings must be kept under control.
The apostle Paul challenges us concerning this: “Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything.”
1 Corinthians 6:12
“let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” Hebrews 12:1
Most people need to exercise self-control in areas such as displaying anger and control of the tongue.
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26
“We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” James 3:2
A persons mood will vary, decisions made during times of highs or lows often are not the best.
No other area in our lives will reveal the fruit of self-control more than the ability to conquer our moods and rely upon our faith. Self-control is listed in Peter’s list of virtues for Christians to pursue:
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-11
For personal reflection
Is the fruit of the Spirit evident in your life?
Which fruit do you need more of?
What are you going to do to grow bigger fruit?
