But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
We all had some expectation about what our world will be like in this new administration. I do know I am not in impressed with many of the policy points that have been put into place. Especially the ones that go directly against the Judeo-Christian ethic I choose to live by. However, unless it directly impacts my life, I will have to live by the laws as they are written. “Give unto Caesar” principle.
So, how do we move forward from here? I believe the Bible already gave us that answer in the verse above. There are 9 principles given to us called ‘fruit of the spirit.’ Fruit being the visual for us because we know how a fruit lives and grows, therefore we can understand the analogy demonstrating these attributes.
The first words that strike me about this verse are in the phrase ‘against such there is no law.’ Foremost as the 74 million, we do not want to break any laws (again, unless the law breaks one of the commands of God). It’s a beautiful instruction, and very do-able because we do not need to be sneaky, use any force, plan to work in the dark, break anything, steal anything, hurt anyone or commit any covert or convoluted activity that might make us look suspicious.
However, there is a list of nine attributes that we do want to display. Especially in the first weeks and months ahead when we have a new opportunity, in a new year! We alone have the responsibility to show to the 80 million that we have a maturity in our lives that can only come from God. The nine fruits of the spirit are described as a singular fruit because when they are displayed within us to others, they mingle as one single nature and character of Christ.
Remember, the fruit is not for us, just as the fruit growing on a tree is not for the tree. It will make our lives more productive, but the fruit is for those around us to partake of the divine nature as it is displayed in us. Let’s take a brief look at the nine fruit. As we do, examine yourself. Do you have some cultivating to do on your fruit tree? If we are honest with ourselves, we all do!
LOVE, caring for someone else and seeking the highest good for them, displays love.
JOY, a gladness in our heart, despite what is going on around us because we know God is still on the throne.
PEACE, a quietness in our demeanor as we grow in our relationship with the Father. No anxiety.
FORBEARANCE, long-suffering, patience, endurance, slow to anger. This one takes a lot of practice with stressful situations.
KINDNESS, restraint when needed, anger when justified, submissive when called for. Another tough one that seems only to be perfected with practice.
GOODNESS, a zeal for the truth and a hatred of evil!
FAITHFULNESS, faithful to spouse, friends and family, loyal trustworthy and honest.
GENTLENESS, not wanting to hurt anyone.
SELF-CONTROL, mastering your own desires, passions, mouth and thoughts. Pure, and faithful to your marriage.
As difficult as it may be we need to make a conscious effort now, more than ever to display our mature fruit to the 80 million. Remember that it is our mission in this USA to usher in the Third Awakening in the Kingdom of God. We carry a huge responsibility right now as we talk with others, pray for them, care for them. Do not show them any rotten fruit that you have. Show them they are loved and cared for no matter what. You carry within you the Spirit of God!
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