** Fruit or attitude of the Holy Spirit!
58. Galatians 5:23
Gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. —Galatians 5:23
If we’re rooted and grounded in Christ, the sap of the Holy Spirit takes the nutrients of the Word, disseminating it through our systems, and producing a life of fruitfulness. The word fruit means “attitudes.” The evidence walking with Christ is a growing set of distinctive attitudes.
- Love. This is the first on the list because it’s the superlative attitude, the fountainhead of all the rest.
- Joy. Love is something we convey to others, but joy is something that lights up our own lives. Joy lifts our own hearts. As that happens, of course, other people are the beneficiaries, including our family members and work associates. The word joy is found more than two hundred times in the Bible, and the corresponding word rejoice is found about two hundred more times.
- Peace. This is the quality of calmness and inner strength keeping us steady during tough times. Peace is acting as though God had already worked out the solutions to all our problems, which is true for every child of God.
- Patience. There are two kinds of patience. The first one is related to circumstances, and we call that perseverance. The second is related to people, and we call that being even tempered. These are qualities of the spiritual life that develop within us as we walk with Christ.
- Kindness. This is the practical side of the first quality on the list—love. It’s when our love expresses itself in countless ways, large and small (but usually small).
- Goodness. The word goodness is used here in a moral sense. It means being morally sound. It’s the practical side of holiness.
- Faith. Many versions translate this word as faithfulness. We’re trustworthy of character because we trust Him who is worthy.
- Gentleness. The Bible frequently commands us to be strong of spirit yet warm and friendly in our dealings with others.
- Self-Control. This comes at the end of the list because it’s like the knot at the end of the string that keeps the pearls from slipping off the necklace and spilling onto the floor.
One of the challenging aspects of memorizing Galatians 5:22-23 is getting the nine “fruit” in the right order. Perhaps this prayer will help. It’s built on the first letter of each of the virtues—
LJPPKGFGS: Lord Jesus, please produce kingdom grace for God’s sake.
I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.—Jesus, in John 15:5
* From: 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart.====
How does the Holy Spirit operate and effect people today?
The Holy Spirit of God in the world today is the force for Good vs the Evil of the the world!. If a person really wants to change their life - seeking the Holy Spirit is the best way!
** Here is some of the best to help you find the Holy Spirit in your Life!
Philippians 4 (NKJV)
4 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And[a] I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Meditate on These Things
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.Philippian Generosity
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ[b] who strengthens me.14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greeting and Blessing
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.[c] Amen.
Footnotes:
- Philippians 4:3 NU-Text and M-Text read Yes.
- Philippians 4:13 NU-Text reads Him who.
- Philippians 4:23 NU-Text reads your spirit.
The Bible doesn’t always give “six easy steps,” but here in Philippians 4, we have a bullet-pointed list for experiencing inner peace.
Two promises are connected with these principles: the peace of God will guard your heart and mind (v. 7), and the God of peace will be with you (v. 9).
- Rejoice in the Lord. (v. 4)
- Be gracious with others. (v. 5a)
- Remind yourself of God’s nearness. (v. 5b)
- Cast out worry. (v. 6a)
- Pray with thanksgiving. (v. 6b)
- Focus your mind on what is excellent and praiseworthy. (vv. 8-9)
The joy Christ gives is for time and eternity, for soul and body, for adversity and prosperity. —William A. Swets
100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart.
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