FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (GAL 5:22-23)

LOVE – Seeks the highest good of others: Love is not based on emotions or feelings. it is a decision to be committed to the well being of others without any conditions or circumstances.

GREEK WORD FOR LOVE: agape (ah-gah-pey)

SCRIPTURES: 1 John 4: 7-12

JOY – Gladness not based on circumstances: Joy is more than happiness. It is not based on financial success, good health, or popularity. By believing in God, obeying his will, receiving his forgiveness, participating in fellowship with other believers, ministering to others, and sharing the gospel, believers will experience joy.

GREEK WORD FOR JOY: chara (kah-rah)

SCRIPTURES: 1 Peter 1:8-9

PEACE – Contentment, unity between people: Peace is a state of assurance, lack of fear, and sense of contentment. It is fellowship, harmony, and unity between individuals. Peace is freedom from worry, disturbance, and oppressive thoughts.

GREEK WORD FOR PEACE: eirene (eh-rey-ney)

SCRIPTURES: Phil 4: 6-7

PATIENCE – Slow to speak and slow to anger: Patience is a slowness in avenging wrongs. It is the quality of restraint that prevents believers from speaking or acting hastily in the face of disagreement, opposition, or persecution. Patience is bearing pain or problems without complaining.

GREEK WORD FOR PATIENCE: makrothumia (mah-krow-thew-me-ah)

SCRIPTURES: James 5:8-9

KINDNESS – Merciful, sweet, and tender: Kindness is an eagerness to put others at ease. It is a sweet and attractive temperament that shows friendly regard.

GREEK WORD FOR KINDNESS: chrestotes (krey-stah-teys)

SCRIPTURES: Prov 11:16-17

GOODNESS – Generous and openhearted: Goodness is the selfless desire to be openhearted and generous to others above what they deserve.

GREEK WORD FOR GOODNESS: agathosune (ah-gah-thow-soo-ney)

SCRIPTURES: Gal 6:9-10

FAITHFULNESS – Dependable, loyal, and full of trust: Faithfulness is firm devotion to God, loyalty to friends, and dependability to carry out responsibilities. Faith is the conviction that even now God is working and acting on our behalf.

GREEK WORD FOR FAITHFULNESS: pistis (piss-tiss)

SCRIPTURES: Prov 3:3, Rev 2:10

GENTLENESS – Humble, calm, non-threatening: Gentleness is a humble, non-threatening demeanor that derives from a position of strength and authority, and is useful in calming another’s anger. gentleness is not a quality that is weak and passive.

GREEK WORD FOR GENTLENESS: prautes (prah-oo-teys)

SCRIPTURES: Prov 15:1, 1 Peter 3:15

SELF-CONTROL – Behaving well: Self-control is to restrain our own emotions, actions, and desires, and to be in harmony with the will of God. Self-control is doing God’s will, not living for ourselves.

GREEK WORD FOR SELF-CONTROL: egkrateia (eg-krah-teh-ee-ah)

SCRIPTURES: Prov 29:11, Titus 2:11-12

JESUS’ EXAMPLE OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

LOVE – Jesus said. ” As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9

JOY – Jesus said, ” I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” John 17:13

PEACE – Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

PATIENCE – The apostle Paul wrote, “I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Tim 1:16

KINDNESS – “And God raised us up with Christ . . . in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to in Christ Jesus.” Eph 2:6-7

GOODNESS – “[God] saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Tit 2:5-6

FAITHFULNESS – “But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” Heb 3:6

GENTLENESS – Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matt 11:29

SELF-CONTROL – “When [Jesus’ accusers] hurled their insults at him, retaliate;he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23

BAD FRUIT: Gal 5:19-21; Col 3: 5-9

Acts of the sinful nature: