Love (agape) - Of
course, this heads the list, for this is primary, as Paul has just declared
(v.14). Like Paul said in Col. 3:14, “above all these things put on love.” One
reason this heads the list is because most of the other fruit are
manifestations of love. It is an
unconditional love. Such love is willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the
one loved (Rom. 5:8; John 15:13). Love is always doing something for others (1
John 3:16, 17).
Joy (chara) - When love is present, joy cannot be far behind. Joy is the product of a right relationship with God. Did you hear that? I want to say it again, “Joy is the product of a right relationship with God.” As in the case of love, joy is a part of God’s own nature. Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. Furthermore, this joy is not conditioned upon favourable circumstances. Not only that, but we can experience the greatest joy when we go through a trial. Remember, Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). Do you remember the story in Acts 16 of Paul & Silas in prison, and at midnight they were singing joyful praises to God? Yes, true joy is independent of circumstances. Instead of having its source in externals, its true source is from within.
Peace (eirene) - This is an inner peace that is first based upon a consciousness of a right relationship with God. Rom. 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Furthermore, true peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from faith in God and from the experience of the presence of God. Even in bad circumstances, we have peace for we know “that God causes all things to work together for good (Rom. 8:28). That is why Jesus could say, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). There is absolutely no reason for a believer to be anxious or afraid.
Longsuffering (makrothumia)
- This is a patient endurance under ill-treatment or provocation, without an
outburst of anger or thought of revenge. How true this was of Jesus! Are you
about to be sweet and serene under provocation? Or are you quick-tempered and
easily provoked? Do you lash out at people with your tongue, or with physical
violence? This is a fruit of the Spirit for this is an attribute of God that is
mentioned often in the Bible (Ps. 86:15; 2 Peter 3:9). He is slow to anger and
slow to inflict judgment. Paul indicates that longsuffering is not a sign of weakness
(Col. 1:11), but a sign of moral strength. It takes great strength to keep from
striking back at someone with angry words or an angry blow. Once again,
Kindness (chrestotes) - It means to be kind, good, and pleasant. We can even use the word “sweet” to describe this disposition. It includes thoughtful consideration, courteous and kindly action. Doesn’t this also describe Jesus? The Gospels contain numerous illustrations of Christ’s kindness shown to sinners
Goodness (agathosune) - This is love in action. 2 Th. 1:11 lists this as an attribute of God. Paul said in Rom. 15:14, “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness [agathosune]….” He knew this fruit of the Spirit would manifest itself in the lives of true believers. Believers are commanded to exemplify goodness. He later said in this epistle, “Let us do good” (Gal. 6:10). If you are indwelt by the Spirit, and filled by the Spirit, you will be prompted from within to do good deeds for people. That may include visiting a lonely person, or helping a young mother care for her young children.
Faithfulness - Here the word means loyalty, fidelity, and trustworthiness. This character quality is where God and man can count on you to do what you say you will do. Once again, this is an attribute of God. He is faithful. In fact, Jeremiah declared, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.
Meekness (prautes) - This is the very opposite of vehemence, violence, and outbursts of anger. The meek Christian does not throw his weight around or assert himself selfishly. Instead, meekness is the right use of authority and power, as well as submission to authority. Moses is said to have been a meek man in this sense. Meekness is also related to humility. The meek person has accepted God’s estimate of his own life. Compared to God and our vast universe, we really are insignificant. But paradoxically, God says that we are greater and more important than angels. Jesus identified Himself as meek & humble (Mt. 11:29). Furthermore, the meek person recognizes that God is in charge. In meekness, we accept God’s dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting.
Self-control (egkrateia) - The person who is blessed with this quality possesses the power to keep himself in check. It is mastery and restraint of all our appetites and desires. The word is used in I Cor. 7:9 of the control of sexual desire. In I Cor. 9:25 it is used of the control of the athlete over his body and its desires during his period of training. The previous mention of immorality among the works of the flesh shows that it was very appropriate to list self-control as an opposing virtue. When someone says, “I couldn’t help myself,” he may be right. But with God’s help we can control our passions and desires. God can give you control over nicotine! He can give you control over food cravings.
"The furit of the Holy Spirit should be magnifest in every believer's life. If not, seek God diligently for wisdom and instruction."
No comments:
Post a Comment