Gal 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control: against such there is no law."
Love
Galatians 5:19-23 contrasts the “works of the flesh” to the “fruit of the Spirit.” Before our conversion, we may have engaged in the “works of the flesh” listed in verses 19-21. Yet, after conversion, “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (5:24). What must we do after we “crucify” the “works of the flesh?” The answer is found in verse 25: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Some confuse the idea of “walking in the Spirit.” They believe it is a “religious experience” or a whispery voice from within that guides us. Yet, the Spirit has a “law” (Romans 8:2). This law has been revealed through the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 1 John 5:6 mentions “the Spirit is truth.” With this in mind, if we follow the words of the Spirit, the truth, found in the Bible we will bear “the fruit of the Spirit.”
The first “fruit of the Spirit” mentioned in Galatians 5:22 is “love.” Our “love” must be shown both to God and our fellow man (Matthew22:37-38). This is the first and second great commandments. Pages could be written on the importance of love. Perhaps the most eloquent summary of its character is in 1 Corinthians 13.
How much greater influence would Christians have with all of these attributes of love? How much sweeter would the world be if such love were always on the forefront of our minds? Follow God’s Word and you will steady your influence and help change the world.
January 2008
Joy
The word “joy” is from a Greek word “chara” which is defined by Strong’s as, “cheerfulness, that is, calm delight: - gladness...joy.” The Christian has every reason to be full of “joy” in this life. After all, the source of our joy is Jesus Christ. His love, promises and grace are constant. He is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (13:8). Therefore, if our minds are fixed on the unchangeable Christ rather than the fickle world our joy and gladness should be continuous.
The Christian has every reason to be cheerful in Christ. First of all, because of God’s “amazing grace.” After the shepherd found the lost sheep, the woman found the lost coin and the father found his lost son they all had one common response— joy (Luke 15). Should the hearts of the saved not also be filled with such joy?
We should even rejoice in our testings and afflictions. Such trials only enhance our hope for a better place beyond this world (James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:13).
“Joy” is found in the New Testament in a variety of situations. Forms of the word “joy” are found over 100 times in the New Testament. New converts and aged disciples were filled with joy in great successes during times of peace and deep afflictions when the work of preaching was most tough.
Can it be found in you during the ups and downs of life as you remember the steadfastness of God’s love? Such joy should be a fruit produced in the sincere believer’s life.
February 2008
Peace
The word “peace” in Galatians 5:22 is translated from the Greek term “EIRENE.” It is used 88 times in the New Testament and in other places it is translated as “quietness” or “rest.” It is understandable why the Christian should bear the fruit of “peace” after realizing the various relationships that are restored by following Christ.
First, our relationship with God has been restored. The direct result of our renewed relationship with God is “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). No longer must we feel a great gulf of separation from God. No longer must we feel the shame, guilt and fear that results from our sin. We are forgiven and our consciences may rest at such a blessing.
Second, our church relationship should be filled with peace. Our unity with the Spirit will put us in a “bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). This “peace” is regardless of nationality, race or gender (Ephesians 2:14-17). Yet, God does demand purity before true peace can exist (James 3:17-18).
Finally, the Christian seeks peace with all people (Hebrews 12:14). Following the path of evil will make peace with our fellow man unlikely (Romans 3:17). True followers of Christ do not want to be at war, but should seek to pursue peace—even with our enemies (Romans 12:18).
Imagine a world that is guilt-free, treats each other like family and where war, both personal and national, is avoided rather than sought. Such utopian ideals can exist as we unite in Christ.
March 2008
Longsuffering
The term “longsuffering” is a trait that man can learn much about by looking at God. Just prior to the destruction of “evil” mankind by a global flood, God is described as “longsuffering” as He waited for Noah to complete the ark to save his family (1 Peter 3:10).
Imagine the suffering the antediluvian world must have caused God, the Creator, as the thoughts of man’s “heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Yet, God endures the pain as He offers a second chance to the family of Noah. He does not destroy the world in a hot temper, but grants the world an opportunity for repentance.
Similarly, we must endure many trials in this life (James 1:2-3). It is highly possible Christians will be “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matt. 5:10). How should we react to trials?
In the Parable of the Sower, the seed that fell among the stones represents “he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles” (Matthew 13:21).
The text does not say how he “stumbles.” Perhaps, this person just quits or gets angry and lashes back in vengeance at the ungodly world. Such reactions are the opposite of longsuffering. Ever heard of someone who is short-tempered? A “longsuffering” person is long- tempered hoping that, over time, sinners will repent and turn to God!
April 2008
Kindness
As Christians give up the “works of the flesh” and produce “the fruit of the Spirit” they will blossom with “kindness” (Galatians 5:22).
The word “kindness” is also translated “gentleness” and is a cousin to “goodness.” One version even translates it as “sweetness.”
One picture of the Christian’s “kindness” has its foundation in God’s “kindness” to us.
Ephesians 2:7 says that God has showed “the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
Titus 2:4 says, “...the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared...according to His mercy...through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
In these two passages, God’s kindness is shown as He found a way to meet our needs. Lost in sin and destined for hell we needed a Savior. God met our need through His Son, Jesus Christ. That’s kindness!
As we live our lives, we should offer such kindness to those around us. Perhaps a discouraged Christian needs a word of encouragement, then give it. Maybe a lonely Christian needs a listening ear, offer it. Perhaps a poor Christian could use some financial help, supply it. Maybe an erring Christian needs to be steered back to the right path—do it.
Sometimes we can see what others need more clearly than they. God saw our need and acted. True kindness will do no less.
May 2008
Goodness
“Goodness,” a “fruit of the spirit” is defined as “uprightness of heart and life” (Thayer). Strong adds that the term refers to “kindness, beneficence.” Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines the root of this word as, “...that which, being good in its character or constitution, is beneficial in its effect.”
It may be easy for us to think a person practicing “goodness” does so through compliments and monetary gifts. Yet, the word is not restricted to these things. In fact, Trench mentions that Jesus practiced “goodness” as he threw the money changers out of the temple and denounced the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 21:12-13; 23:13-29).
Therefore, this teaches us “goodness” is not being politically correct. It is not compromising the truth with others for the sake of friendship. In fact, the very opposite is true. Someone who truly practices “goodness” is willing to point out the moral and religious errors of their friends.
Now, this is not all there is to the word. Yet, it is probably a sterner aspect of “goodness” few realize.
Interestingly, Barnabas is called a “good man” in Acts 11:24. Now, his “goodness” may have something to do with his generosity (see Acts 4:34-37). Yet, in Acts 11, it primarily deals with Barnabas and his preaching. He proved his “goodness” by caring enough about lost souls to teach them the truth and encourage them to stick with it! That’s being beneficent!
June 2008
Faithfulness
One who walks by the Spirit’s leading will exhibit the fruit of “faithfulness.” This term may also refer to “reliability” or “fidelity.”
The Christian is one who has given his word as a servant of Jesus Christ. Yet, there are many ways in which the godly are drawn away. Throughout Bible history, giving your word was easier than keeping it.
Adam and Eve agreed to God’s law, but broke it in the Garden for a piece of fruit (Genesis 3). God anointed King David but he set an ungodly example for Israel as he committed adultery with Bathsheba in a moment of reckless passion (2 Samuel 11). Judas was a disciple of Jesus but betrayed Jesus and delivered him to the Jews for “thirty pieces of silver” (Matthew 26:14-15).
All of these individuals faced God’s disappointment, incredible guilt and an injured influence due to their lack of faithfulness. If we commit ourselves to God, we should not “sell out” for the sake of our own lusts. Faithfulness to God must be constant or we weaken trust, injure our credibility and harm our influence.
A half-faithful spouse is not faithful at all. An employee who only works 1 out of 3 days he/she is called to work is not reliable. A Christian who lives for God once a week and ignores His will the rest of the time lacks “faithfulness.” Living for Christ must not be like a light switch we just turn on and off. We must live for Him always.
July 2008
Meekness
The word “meekness” is also defined as “gentleness” (Strong) and “mildness” (Thayer). “Meekness” implies humility, but not weakness or cowardice. Moses was “meek” yet took his stand against Pharaoh and the complaining Israelites (Numbers 12:3). Jesus describes himself as “meek and lowly in heart” but stood firm against compromising with the Jewish parties (Matthew 11:28-30).
So, in what way do these men exemplify the quality of “meekness?” First, consider the “meek” Moses in Numbers 12. Within this passage, Aaron and his wife, Miriam, are bad-mouthing Moses and his Ethiopian wife (12:1-2). God is angry with Aaron and Miriam and turns Miriam into a leper (12:4-10). Aaron begs forgiveness and asks for the help of Moses (12:11-12). Moses asks for the Lord’s help and Miriam’s health is restored (12:13-16). The reaction of Moses is exemplary. He could have said, “Miriam got what she deserved.” He could have allowed their personal insults to lead to a lack of forgiveness. He could have pouted about it. Yet, Moses was humble and meek. He was willing to bear personal insult and injury without retaliation.
Such a trait must be ours as we live as Christians. In fact, was this not a quality of Jesus Christ? He “bore our sins in His own body on the tree…” (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus was willing to suffer personal insult and injury for the greater good—saving you.
August 2008
Self-Control
The final “fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5:22-23 includes “self-control” or “temperance.” We may ascertain the meaning of this word by meditating upon a Bible example where the term is used.
Paul was arrested by the leading Jews in Jerusalem and tried. As he stood before Felix, who married into the Herod family, he “reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come…” (Acts 24:25).
Felix was not a man known for his self-control. Drusilla was his third wife and he seduced her from her previous husband. Felix, two years after this trial, was removed from his position as governor for ordering the brutal murder and looting of the houses of thousands of wealthy Jews. Self-control was not Felix’s strong suit.
So, as Paul preaches about “self-control” Felix is afraid and trembles (Acts 24:25). “Self-control” is defined as “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites” (Thayer).
Felix had not mastered his sexual desires. If he had, they would have been restricted to his first marriage (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:9). He had not tempered his anger for he allowed it to carry over into brutal violence. He even imprisoned Paul longer than justice deserved due to his own insatiable greed (Acts 24:26).
We must control our desires by acting on them only in the ways God allows.
September 2008