Saturday, March 9, 2013

The 9 Fruits Of The Holy Spirit

Being a human being living here of planet earth certainly presents its own unique set of challenges. But being a human being here on planet earth who is a Christian, presents challenges that are beyond unique. But unlike those who are non-Christian or non-believers The Lord has left us with a Devine reference guide called the Holy Bible. The answers to every single one of life's questions are within the this Devine reference guide.
As Christians we are given 9 special gifts called the 9 fruits of the spirit.

1. Love;

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:13
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Love is a reoccurring theme throughout the Bible. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that we could have everlasting life. We can only hope to be able to achieve loving anywhere near this level.

2. Joy:

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

The joy in our trials and tribulations is the fact that they give us a testimony to prove to others how great God is.

3. Peace:

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
1 Peter 3:11
Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

Peace comes from knowing that God is in control. As long as we understand this we don't have to be anxious about anything because our Heavenly Father sits high, and looks low, and takes care of us.


4. Long suffering:

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

God loves us, and would never put more on us than we could bear. No matter what happens in our lives. No matter how long we're in the midst of a storm, if we wait on him he will bring us out.

5. Gentleness:

Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Psalm 18:35
You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.

We don't have to quarrel, fight, or argue because The Lord our God fights our battles, and protects us from evil. We must be considerate of others as ladies and gentlemen.

6. Goodness:

Psalm 31:19
Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!
Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

There is no greater goodness than the goodness of God. We must strive to treat others as we would like to be treated, and walk as living examples of God's goodness with our lights shining to show others the way.

7. Faith:

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

I am a living witness that if we believe, just a little bit, that God is who he says he is, and have faith in his word he will supply all of our needs, and a portion of our hearts desires.

8. Meekness:

Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

There is no need to act out, and we nothing to prove. We live meek and mild, and seek to uplift others so that we may be lifted. We don't have to seek acceptance, or try to fit in. As Christians we will stand out.

9. Temperance:

Galatians 5:23
Gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Titus 2:12
Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
1 Corinthians 9:27
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

We should not fear taking a stand for righteousness in an increasingly wicked world, and we must be careful to live righteous live in which we practice the principals that we stand for.

Meditating on the fruits of the spirit and putting them into practice makes it easier for us to live the God centered lives that we embarked on once we confessed that Jesus Christ is our Lord and savior.
But like anything else that is worth being mastered it requires practice, patience, and strength to make it through.

PR

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