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He Keeps Me Singing by Stephanie
April Meservy-Roberts
Fruit of the Spirit
by Frances M. McCrory-Meservy
Jesus said you could
identify them by their fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is:
LOVE - (Binds together all the other fruit) is sincere, hospitable, blesses
(removes worry), is harmonious, does no harm to its neighbor, rejoices with
the truth, always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres, helps, rebukes and
disciplines, willingly gives up own desires for good of others, forgives instead
of getting even. It is the opposite of hate. Love comes via the Holy Spirit
and grows as we use it. Love results in overcoming evil.
JOY – a celebration that constantly bubbles up from deep inside that does
not depend on circumstances. It is the opposite of grumbling and complaining.
It comes from knowing you are saved. Comes via the Holy Spirit as we love
and trust Jesus, love righteousness, hate wickedness, by hearing and understanding
God’s Word, by miracles, by our being able to overcome demons, by God blessing
the work of our hands. Joy gives us hope and strength. Joy makes us feel thankful,
helps us tell others about Jesus and causes us to be generous givers.
PEACE – calm confidence, quietness, rest, safety, feeling blameless, upright,
strength, security, sharing life and hope. It is the opposite of turmoil and
discontentment. Peace comes by allowing our hearts and minds to be controlled
by the Holy Spirit, by the knowledge of God and Jesus. Peace comes by prayer
and petition with thanksgiving, Jesus’ blood shed on the cross, listening
to God’s promises, loving God’s law, if our ways are pleasing to the Lord,
if we pay attention to God’s commands, if we are righteous, if we are not
wicked, by God’s compassion, by keeping our minds steadfast on trusting Jesus,
by Jesus’ overcoming the world, by doing good. As we learn to walk in the
Spirit, we feel peace more often. Peace guards our hearts and minds, brings
unity and reaps a harvest of righteousness.
PATIENCE – To excitedly wait; calmness, composure, courage, endurance, forbearance,
inner strength, self-possession, overlooking an offence. It is the opposite
of action without thought and waiting for nothing or no one. Patience comes
from tribulations, wisdom and by being strengthened by the power of the Holy
Spirit. Patience persuades people and inherits what is promised.
GENTLENESS - power under control (like a mother caring for her little children
or a wild animal that has been tamed). Gentleness comes via the Holy Spirit
and by allowing God to refine us. Gentleness causes people to trust you.
GOODNESS – Usefulness, decency, honesty, integrity, morality, righteousness,
does not deliberately go against God’s will and sin through an immoral act,
doing something without expecting anything in return, to feed and give drink
(even to your enemies), to minister, comfort and deliver. It is the opposite
of selfishness, evil and uselessness. Goodness comes by fearing and trusting
God. Goodness results in knowledge.
FAITHFULNESS -allegiance, duty, fidelity, loyalty, diligently strives to
honor his own words, throwing away idols and worshiping God only, protects,
provides a refuge and relief, prays for others, fulfills commitments, seeks
and brings forth justice and walks in the truth. It is the opposite of lies,
sneaking, betraying and cheating. Faithfulness comes by planning what is good.
Faithfulness results in protection, refuge, relief, answered prayers and atonement
of sin.
KINDNESS - courtesy, favor, good turn, service, enjoys doing things that
make others feel good, sparing someone’s life, dealing honestly, releasing
from prison, saving life, showing favor to, restoring property to, expressing
sympathy for, inviting to dinner, watching over spirit, removing yoke of oppression,
having compassion on, allowing to go to friends so they can provide for needs,
keeping warm and welcoming. It is the opposite of getting even with or being
cruel to. Kindness comes by God’s mercy via the Holy Spirit; we continue to
receive kindness if we continue to be kind. Kindness leads to repentance.
SELF-CONTROL - balance, composure, equilibrium, poise, self-possession,
the ability to control one’s emotions and reactions, integrity, seriousness,
soundness of speech (does not curse or use God’s name in vain). It is the
opposite of having a temper tantrum or being violent in word or deed. We receive
self-control by setting our hope fully on the grace Jesus gives us. Self-control
protects you from Satan and helps you pray.
Christians receive all these characteristics when they are born again (born of the Spirit). The more they use the fruit, the stronger it will become in the person. Baby Christians, New Converts, evidence them in a mild form - mature Christians portray them more prominently.
Now you know how to recognize a Christian - (1 Cor. 6:14-18; Ja. 4:1-10)
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