Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control
There they are. All nine fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. There are a couple things I have learned about these nine attributes that I didn't understand and I'd like to share them with you. I'm sure many of you already know most of what I don't know, (because there are libraries filled with stuff I don't know) but I beg your indulgence.
The first thing I have learned about these fruits is that they come directly from the Holy Spirit, himself. These are not attributes we develop on our own. Also, this Love and Joy and Peace and Kindness and Patience and Goodness and Faithfulness and Gentleness and Self-Control are God's divine attributes. Not the same as those named by mere men. We may use the same names for them, but the manifestation of these attributes from God are not the same as those exhibited by men. In order for us to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit we must stay connected to Jesus. Just as Jesus told us in John 15:5, he is the vine and we are the branch. Apart from him, we can do nothing. Connected to him, we bear fruit.
Love: We are to love God, first, then love ourselves and others, and ultimately, to love our enemies. This is not the love we see in men, but the love that God has for us. After all, we were his enemy before we accepted the Holy Spirit into our hearts and became his child.
Joy: The happiness we have because we serve God. This is also the source of our strength in God. Without Joy in the Lord, we can become weak and dry.
Peace: The sense of tranquility and poise from having the Holy Spirit (God) living in our hearts. The sense of well-being and confidence from fully relying on God and his promises.
Patience: Understanding and trusting God's timing. Understanding that as the creator of time, God exists outside of time. Trusting God's timing and having confidence in his promises. This is steadfastness and endurance, even when times get tough.
Kindness: This is a quality of love that will flow through us when we stay connected to Jesus Christ. It is a love for mankind, a readiness to help, hospitality, and a sweetness in disposition.
Goodness: The quality of God's goodness manifested in his people has the effect of drawing people to God. This goodness is kindness in action. It is the core of what a believer is. God is good, all the time. We, his children, have been given the attribute of God's goodness.
Faithfulness: Staying true and loyal to God is something that God wants from us. He has told us he is a jealous God and will not tolerate unfaithfulness. Our commitment to God should be reflected in our commitment to family and friends that have been brought into our lives.
Gentleness: This attribute can be described as power and strength under control. Gentleness should not be confused with weakness. It is said that, at times, a soft answer will turn away wrath.
Self-Control: Having victory over one's flesh. Having victory over vices. This attribute is huge. Our hearts may be filled with the Spirit, but it is housed in a body of flesh. This flesh needs to be disciplined and kept in check.
Thanks for allowing me to work through this verse of scripture and re-teach myself the truth of the gifts that God has given to me.
40. Quiet
41. Prayer
42. Meditation
43. Contemplation
44. Rest
45. Peace
46. Trust
47. A shoulder massage
48. Yoga stretches at my desk
49. Tylenol
(I've got a crummy migraine today that has held over from yesterday, but I still came to work)
There they are. All nine fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. There are a couple things I have learned about these nine attributes that I didn't understand and I'd like to share them with you. I'm sure many of you already know most of what I don't know, (because there are libraries filled with stuff I don't know) but I beg your indulgence.
The first thing I have learned about these fruits is that they come directly from the Holy Spirit, himself. These are not attributes we develop on our own. Also, this Love and Joy and Peace and Kindness and Patience and Goodness and Faithfulness and Gentleness and Self-Control are God's divine attributes. Not the same as those named by mere men. We may use the same names for them, but the manifestation of these attributes from God are not the same as those exhibited by men. In order for us to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit we must stay connected to Jesus. Just as Jesus told us in John 15:5, he is the vine and we are the branch. Apart from him, we can do nothing. Connected to him, we bear fruit.
Love: We are to love God, first, then love ourselves and others, and ultimately, to love our enemies. This is not the love we see in men, but the love that God has for us. After all, we were his enemy before we accepted the Holy Spirit into our hearts and became his child.
Joy: The happiness we have because we serve God. This is also the source of our strength in God. Without Joy in the Lord, we can become weak and dry.
Peace: The sense of tranquility and poise from having the Holy Spirit (God) living in our hearts. The sense of well-being and confidence from fully relying on God and his promises.
Patience: Understanding and trusting God's timing. Understanding that as the creator of time, God exists outside of time. Trusting God's timing and having confidence in his promises. This is steadfastness and endurance, even when times get tough.
Kindness: This is a quality of love that will flow through us when we stay connected to Jesus Christ. It is a love for mankind, a readiness to help, hospitality, and a sweetness in disposition.
Goodness: The quality of God's goodness manifested in his people has the effect of drawing people to God. This goodness is kindness in action. It is the core of what a believer is. God is good, all the time. We, his children, have been given the attribute of God's goodness.
Faithfulness: Staying true and loyal to God is something that God wants from us. He has told us he is a jealous God and will not tolerate unfaithfulness. Our commitment to God should be reflected in our commitment to family and friends that have been brought into our lives.
Gentleness: This attribute can be described as power and strength under control. Gentleness should not be confused with weakness. It is said that, at times, a soft answer will turn away wrath.
Self-Control: Having victory over one's flesh. Having victory over vices. This attribute is huge. Our hearts may be filled with the Spirit, but it is housed in a body of flesh. This flesh needs to be disciplined and kept in check.
Thanks for allowing me to work through this verse of scripture and re-teach myself the truth of the gifts that God has given to me.
40. Quiet
41. Prayer
42. Meditation
43. Contemplation
44. Rest
45. Peace
46. Trust
47. A shoulder massage
48. Yoga stretches at my desk
49. Tylenol
(I've got a crummy migraine today that has held over from yesterday, but I still came to work)
