The Fruit of the Spirit

During the past few weeks I have been prompted, by the Holy Spirit I believe, to focus on the fruit of the Spirit, which Galatians 5:22-23 list as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Love. What a monumental topic! How can we even begin to fathom the wondrous love of God toward us? I know that I neither appreciate God's love enough nor do I love Him or others how I ought. Yet in spite of this, He loves me. Wow.

Or what of joy and peace? These incredible gifts that believers have been given (yet often fail to walk in) couldn't be fully described by mere words. Patience, kindness, and goodness--how these would change the world if applied by everyone. Finally, what a depth of riches in the virtues of faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. So much could be written about all these that I didn't know where to begin and so didn't write this for awhile, but have decided to offer a few non-comprehensive notes:

1. We are emotional beings.

Often I think of emotions as somewhat bad things: sometimes as if I have no control over them, but other times perhaps as a part of my sinful nature that must be crushed and not allowed to reign. And yet, while we are indeed called to be sober and exercise self control, shouldn't we have abounding love and overflowing joy? And who would want only partial peace instead of peace that surpasses all understanding? We are emotional beings, and this is a gift.

The fact is that God, who has described Himself as having emotion, has created us in His image. Emotions are good, though if ruled by sinful flesh, will make a mess. The key is to have our emotions controlled by the Spirit. Fear of God (which the Spirit gives believers) is proper and healthy, but fear of man (which is natural to the flesh) is destructive, and no fun. Seeking happiness via ungodly means is sinful, but happiness itself is good and to be desired. We have a bright eternal future to look forward to and a God who controls everything! Do we live like it? So get control of yourself and be happy. :-) (I need this reminder often.)

2. We are called to a higher standard, independent of circumstances.

If circumstances are bad, I naturally tend towards worry, selfishness, and negative emotions. On the other hand, when great things happen, I find it easy to be joyful. It is human nature to let emotions follow circumstances. But it's not biblical. Christians are to rejoice always. We are not only to love when we feel like it, but at all times. So when someone is mean or you must disagree with someone, be kind and loving, and from the heart. If you feel inadequate or face persecution, you can still have peace and joy. Although there is a time to weep, I think the vast majority of our negative emotions are totally unnecessary.

I think most everyone can realize how fantastic it would be to always have the fruit of the Spirit perfectly. If I think back in my life and think of the things I regret, I realize that those things were often done in anger, selfishness, pride, or similar, while the things I'd readily do again were in times of being more fully yielded to the Spirit's control. So if this is obviously good, why is it so hard? It is because we are fallen people, living in a fallen world, with an enemy who seeks to ruin us. But remember, Christ is greater. We can do all things through Him.

3. We are able to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit.

Here are a few ideas:

• By obedience to Holy Spirit. When he convicts, yield; don't fight.
• By reading God's word.
• By praying. Ask Him for these. He is generous.
• By watching and simply being conscious of what's going on in our minds.
• By filling our minds with good things.

A couple comments on those last two:

I remember that years and years ago some of my siblings and I formed a club called the Fruit of the Spirit Club, or FoSC (or was it FotSC?) for short. We would sing the song listing the fruit of the Spirit and discuss them. Although we were only kids, just being aware of them and trying to implement them brought change: I think I was happier. We reminded each other of them and sought opportunities to implement them. And others definitely noticed and commended us. We weren't perfect of course, but simply thinking about them and seeking them definitely did change us. I wish we'd kept the club alive. The point: watching ourselves is important.

Similarly, just as feeding our bodies well or poorly will influence our health, so feeding our minds good things will yield positive results in our hearts, emotions, and actions. To this end I'd encourage carefulness in how much and what news, TV, social media, and books you consume; also, don't let the negative influence or others affect you; instead let your Spirit-led emotions be contagious to those around you.

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. (Philippians 4:8)