The Fruit of the Spirit 7
Ephesians 4:32
Picture yourself navigating through a bustling road on your daily commute to work when, unexpectedly, your car is scratched. As you come to terms with the situation, you discover that the responsible individual belongs to your church community. The conventional response from society might urge you to react with scorn or indignation but as a believer what should be your response? This is a question we are faced with every day, how should a believer conduct himself in unfavorable situations? This is where your nature in Christ should shine forth. This is where the fruits of the Spirit should be on full display.
Galatians 5:2
New King James Version
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
As believers, we understand that gentleness and faithfulness stem from our regenerated spirit. Their true meaning isn’t dictated by worldly standards. Rather, as recipients of salvation, we are called to express these fruits in God’s standard. Now that we’re saved, they should radiate through every facet of our lives.
Matthew 10:16
New King James Version
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Jesus frequently employed parables to convey profound truths and principles. Among these teachings, he often utilized analogies, such as referencing sheep to illustrate meekness and Christian conduct. Similarly, the dove, is a symbol of peace and gentleness in the passage we just read.
Jesus refers to Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart,” a characterization manifest throughout His earthly ministry. We saw him in many instances even though he was stoned and persecuted, still had a heart that was slow to anger. We have that very same Spirit of God dwelling on our inside, meaning that when we are faced with similar situations our attitude and response should be gentleness.
Mark 16:15
New King James Version
15 ”And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.“
God plans to see that all men are saved. To approach “all men” we must learn to speak to others with grace and respect. When we engage others with gentleness and respect, these qualities will naturally be evident in the way we speak and respond, especially when our faith is questioned or challenged.
I Corinthians 4:2
New King James Version
2 ”Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.“
As believers, we have been called to a life of service to God. Through salvation, we were delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son. However, it is also important to know that at salvation, Jesus also became our Lord.
Philippians 2:11
New King James Version
11 ”and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.“
In the Bible, calling Him “Lord” signifies acknowledging His authority, power, and sovereignty over all creation. It speaks to His divinity, as He is not just a teacher or prophet but the Son of God. Embracing Jesus as Lord requires surrendering our lives to His guidance,
II Corinthians 5:15
New King James Version
15 ”and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.“
Our gifts, talents, abilities, and opportunities do not belong to us, but to our Lord. Therefore as stewards, we must ensure that we are faithful to the resources our Lord has committed to us. And this faithfulness must be fueled by love.
John 3:16
New King James Version
16 ”For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.“
With the understanding of God’s love for us, it should show in our faithfulness to the work. Concerning this love, however, we must know that we love him because He first loved us by giving His life for ours. Therefore we ought to live our lives for Him.
The word “steward” means “one who manages everything for his master”. When the master returns, the steward will give an account.
II Corinthians 5:10
New King James Version
10 ”For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.“
Hence, we must run like there is truly a reward because of a truth, God will reward faithfulness. As faithful soldiers, we must always be found at our post doing our master’s bidding in whatever form or role we have been given in the body of Christ.
Prayer Point:
Father, thank you for the fruits of the Spirit in us. Help us to follow your leading at all times, that the world may see the gentleness in our hearts. By your strength, we are distinguished as true followers of Christ by our conduct. In Jesus name, Amen.