Lists to Live By
Posted 12/16/2002 6:50:42 AM
The fruit of the Spirit is a dramatic contrast to the deeds of the flesh, showing the level of spiritual life flourishing in a believer Gal 5:22-26:
- Love - brotherly love Gal 5:13, Rom 12:9,10; 1Th 5:11-13; 1Pe 1:7; 1Jo 4:7-12; 1Tim 4:12
- Joy - gladness Rom 12:12,15; 1Cor 13:6; Php 4:4; Col 3:16; 1Th 5:16
- Peace - harmony, rest, content Rom 12:16,18; Eph 4:25-26; Col 3:14; 1Th 5:13
- Patience - endurance, perseverance, forbearance Rom 5:3,4; 1Cor 13:4,7; Col 3:12-13
- Kindness - integrity, benignity Rom 12:14; 1Cor 13:4; Eph 4:28-29,32
- Goodness - uprightness of heart and life Rom 15:14; Php 4:8; 1Th 5:21; 1Tim 4:12; Tit 1:8
- Faithfulness - fidelity, can be relied upon Rom 12:11; 1Th 1:3; 1Tim 3:11; Tit 2:7-8; 1Tim 4:12
- Gentleness - mild disposition 1Cor 13:4; Col 3:12; Jam 3:17
- Self-control - temperance, control over desires, passions, and appetites Rom 12:17; 1Cor 13:5; Tit 2:2-7; Tit 2:12; Jam 3:17; 1Tim 4:12; Act 24:25; 1Cor 9:25; Tit 1:8
Paul gives a warning with even these qualities, in Gal 5:26: don't be boastful or start comparing one another's "fruit levels," which can only lead to pride and envying. Rather, these are the characteristics of a well-grounded, prosperous Christian Ps 1:3, Mat 12:33, Luk 8:15; 13:9, Jn 15:2,5,16; Rom 7:4, Col 1:10
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