THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GOODNESS!

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GOODNESS!

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

            Yesterday we said about gentleness: “Pressure, not applied with gentleness, becomes a punch! It is important that we be right but it is also important that we be gentle.” As a believer, there may be two reasons for me to want to “lean” on you. First, I may want to apply gentle pressure to influence you to move or change your position on some issue. I know that I can’t shove you because you will shove back. But If I apply gentle pressure you may gradually move to make room for my arguments. I may also need to lean on you for support. I know I can’t demand it of you but if I lean gently on you then you will likely respond with the support I need.

          The word “goodness” means virtue or beneficence. The fruit of the Spirit we call “goodness” is love acting in a beneficial way. It is what drives Miss Goody Two Shoes! When the Holy Spirit lives inside us He begins to use our body and our mind as vehicles for blessing others. This is when love becomes charity and caring becomes sharing.

          Think of all the good things that you might do for others if you only had the resources and the opportunity. You might anonymously leave a large bag of groceries on the doorstep of some person in need. You could pick up the tab for someone at another table in a restaurant. As believers, we are urged to do good to all men.

Gal 6:9-10

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Dear Lord, let me thrill at the prospects of being a blessing to someone today. Let me diligently search for some good that I might do. AMEN

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GENTLENESS!

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GENTLENESS!

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

          We must remember that the second set of “triplets” are moral and spiritual qualities that are applied to others. The first three seem to be wrapped up in our salvation experience. God’s love brings us joy and peace. Longsuffering is the patient bearing of difficult people and difficult circumstances. It is not responding in violence or anger. Gentleness is actually the Greek word chrestotes (khray-stot’-ace) and means “moral excellence in character or demeanor.”

          Chapter divisions were not part of the original Bible manuscripts. These were added later. If we see Galatians as a letter instead of a book, it is not hard to read a bit ahead and come to the following need for gentleness in the church.

Gal 6:1-2

6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, [equipped with these spiritual fruits] restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

          Charles R. Swindoll said: In our rough-and-rugged individualism, we think of gentleness as weakness, being soft, and virtually spineless. Not so! ... Gentleness includes such enviable qualities as having strength under control, being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self-esteem and dignity!” Pressure, not applied with gentleness, becomes a punch! It is important that we be right but it is also important that we be gentle.

Dear Lord, today I will be given many opportunities to be gentle. Let me not fail in this. AMEN

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: LONGSUFFERING!

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: LONGSUFFERING!

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

          Please notice that the individual fruits of the spirit are organized into three clusters of three each. The first three: love, joy, and peace travel together. When a person experiences the love of God there is a strong feeling of joy. This spiritual optimism keeps him going in spite of difficulties. Love and joy together produce peace.

          The next three qualities are expressed toward others. Warren Wiersbe defines longsuffering as “courageous endurance without quitting.” If you have ever been an uncomfortable situation that seemed to have no solution then you have identified the “suffering” part of longsuffering. If this situation seemed endless with no solution in sight then you know what LONG suffering is all about.

          The Greek makrothumia indicates forbearance and fortitude. It is the ability to endure while waiting. It is the confidence to know that God will, in His own time, work all things out.

Eph 1:11

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Rom 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Ps 130:5-6

5 I wait for the Lord , my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Dear Lord, If I must suffer, let me be longsuffering as I wait on you. I am glad that this is a fruit of your Spirit and not of my flesh. Thank you Lord! AMEN