Of the many virtues which Paul lists as being aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit, longsuffering is seldom given priority in our thinking. Love, faith, and joy spring readily to mind but longsuffering is often relegated to a secondary status. Yet longsuffering is an incredibly important facet of the believer’s life in Christ. InContinue reading “Longsuffering”
Tag Archives: fruit of the Spirit
Peace: With God, with Man, and with One’s Self
Shalom! Since ancient times this Hebrew word meaning “peace” has been the customary greeting of the Jews. Its use reflects the fundamental longing of every individual to enjoy wholeness, tranquility, and freedom from anxiety, things that are rarely to be found in our chaotic world. Of all the blessings to be sought, shalom (peace) wasContinue reading “Peace: With God, with Man, and with One’s Self”
Joy: The Fruit of the Spirit
Many years ago I was involved in helping to plant a church in an impoverished and marginalized area of a large Central American city. This particular barrio was known for its destitution, rampant violence, blatantly open drug-dealing, and wide-spread prostitution. In the midst of such a bleak and depressing environment, the little church being plantedContinue reading “Joy: The Fruit of the Spirit”
Love : The Fruit of the Spirit’s First Virtue
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 As we begin our study of the virtues described by Paul as “the FruitContinue reading “Love : The Fruit of the Spirit’s First Virtue”
The Fruit of the Spirit
In the Book of Galatians, Paul explains how the Christian should live his life. Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reasons that if a Christian is saved by faith, should he not continue to live by that same faith? Should his walk and conduct not be characterized by a dependence on God andContinue reading “The Fruit of the Spirit”