Fruit of the Spirit; A New Perspective
I have previously considered the Fruit of the Spirit a barometer concerning my relationship with God. I find the Fruit of the Spirit is evident in most areas of my life when I spend time with God, read His Word, not just read but really consider it, hear God’s plan, and choose to follow His plan for my life.
When I’m feeling off-center, irritable, and impatient, I know I need to start taking a personal inventory and assessing each attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit against my behavior or attitude. It doesn’t take long to realize when peace is missing in my relationship with God, my focus has changed from His plan to getting caught up with the circumstances or things around me or my plan.
It is a great tool to help me remember who I am and whose I am.
I have recently found a new way to consider the Fruit of the Spirit. It’s an additional way to view our spiritual weapons against the enemy of our souls.
Consider Satan's tactics to kill, steal, and destroy our hearts and souls. Paul tells us in Galatians:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
It has been said the ten greatest sins are Greed, Lust, Wrath, Adultery, Gluttony, Pride, Sloth, Envy, Anger, and Boasting.
Let’s Consider the Fruit of the Spirit
The first quality listed is love, which covers the rest of the attributes in the Fruit of the Spirit. Paul tells us in I Corinthians:
“Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
The Contrast Between Love and Selfish Ambition or Acts of the Flesh
As we delve deeper into understanding the Fruit of the Spirit, it’s crucial to contrast it with the acts of the flesh described by Paul in Galatians 5:19-21. This disparity not only highlights the stark differences but also accentuates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Love vs Acts of the Flesh
As described in I Corinthians 13:4-8a, love embodies patience, kindness, truth, protection, trust, hope, and perseverance. It is selfless and forgiving, directly opposing acts of selfishness and harm.
Acts of the Flesh are driven by greed, lust, wrath, and other vices that lead to chaos and destruction. They are rooted in self-centeredness and harm the individual and those around them.
The Fruit of the Spirit as a Shield
Each aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit nurtures our relationship with God and serves as a shield against these acts of the flesh. For example, in its true form, love counters hatred, discord, and jealousy.
Joy and Peace Against Discord and Jealousy
1. Joy is not merely happiness. It’s a more profound sense of contentment and well-being, irrespective of external circumstances. It counters feelings of envy and dissatisfaction.
2. Peace as Strength
In the biblical sense, peace is more than the absence of conflict. It’s an inner serenity that remains steady even in turmoil. This peace challenges the chaos and discord promoted by acts of the flesh.
3. Forbearance, Kindness, and Goodness against Selfish Ambition and Dissension
A Counter to Impatience and Anger
Forbearance, or patience, is the ability to endure difficult circumstances and people without annoyance or anxiety. This quality directly counters the impulsive and often destructive reactions characterized by acts of the flesh, such as fits of rage and selfish ambition.
Forbearance teaches us to wait on the Lord’s timing, fostering peace within ourselves and our communities. It allows us to handle situations gracefully, offering room for understanding and reconciliation.
4. Kindness and Goodness: The Antidote to Hatred and Envy
Kindness is the aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit showing empathy and consideration towards others. Kindness is a powerful force against jealousy and divisions by promoting unity and compassion.
Goodness reflects a life lived according to God’s will, seeking the welfare of others. It challenges the acts of the flesh by encouraging us to act with integrity and moral virtue, dissuading us from envy and conflict.
5. Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control Against the Act of the Flesh
Faithfulness: Standing Firm Against Idolatry and Witchcraft
Faithfulness is about loyalty and trust in God. It stands in opposition to idolatry and witchcraft by prioritizing God’s sovereignty and rejecting the pursuit of power or control through ungodly means.
Faithfulness fosters trustworthiness and reliability in our relationships, embodying the commitment to God’s teachings and each other.
6. Gentleness: A Response to Aggression and Selfish Ambition
Meekness, Not Weakness: Gentleness, often misunderstood as weakness, is strength under control. It is the ability to remain calm and not assert power or control aggressively, countering the selfish ambition and opposition of the flesh.
By responding with gentleness, we de-escalate conflict and promote peace, demonstrating God’s love and patience.
7. Self-Control: Mastery Over Desires
Self-control is crucial in resisting the temptations of excess and immorality, such as drunkenness, orgies, and gluttony. It involves the discipline of our desires and impulses, ensuring they align with God’s will.
Self-control supports and amplifies all other aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit, enabling us to live lives that reflect God’s teachings and resist the destructive nature of the flesh or worldly desires and focus.
Transformative Power of the Spirit
Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit represents a journey towards spiritual maturity, where each attribute helps us to combat the challenges and temptations presented by Satan, the enemy of our soul. This journey is not about achieving perfection but striving for a closer relationship with God, allowing His Spirit to work within us, transforming our characters, and equipping us to face spiritual warfare with grace and strength.
By cultivating love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we enrich our lives and impact those around us, showcasing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit living in our hearts.
As we get to know God and Jesus, the Holy Spirit continually empowers us to grow in love and grace. Our reflection becomes more about God than the things of this world, with all the temptations and self-indulgences Satan has to offer.
Take time to know who God is and what He loves. It will help you understand who you are and whose you are. The more we know Him and learn His voice, the more distant Satan’s voice will become. We can counter Satan’s lies with God’s truth, evidenced by the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives.