Got fruit? 4

Someone has pointed out that the words long suffering could mean, to suffer for a long period of time. Who likes to suffer anyway? Suffering is not something that any Christian looks forward to. The next fruit of the spirit is long suffering. The word long suffering in the original language could actually mean, to be steadfast or to bear troubles or ills. Some people that we know bring this out of us whether we like it or not. They test our patience and perhaps make us suffer for a long time. This is one of the fruits that comes out of a consistent and mature walk with the Lord. It can sometimes happen as a result of a trial or difficult situation that we are facing. James tells us that we are to "count it all joy" when we fall into various trials. He adds that it is for the testing of our faith. This is what helps us to grow and bear the fruit of long suffering. The cool thing about this fruit is that we are not alone when we are growing through this one. The Bible tells us that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. If we remember this, then it will not feel as difficult.

Got fruit? 3

Are you at peace? Are you currently experiencing harmony? Most people want peace in their lives. This is why many have turned to drugs, alcohol, and pleasure. They are attempting to find peace and happiness in temporal substance. Paul, when he was writing to the Philippians, spoke of a peace that surpasses all understanding. Later, when he was writing to the Galatians, Paul included this same peace as being one of the fruits of the spirit. In order for someone to experience this biblical peace, he first has to be at peace with God. It is a peace that is a direct result of what was accomplished at the cross. It is because of the cross that the Christian can experience this peace. To be at peace is defined as being set as one again. If you make peace with God, then you will definitely feel this kind of peace. It is a peace that is not based on circumstance, but is simply based on a person: Jesus Christ.

Got fruit? 2

The Christian life is not one that should be depressing. Being a Christian is not bad news, it is good news. It is good news that we have been forgiven of our sin, and we are going to heaven. Another fruit that should be in the Christian's life is joy. Having joy means that there is a gladness that we have in our life. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Jesus came to give us eternal life, and he also came to give us abundant life while we are here on the earth. It is possible for the believer to live a life of joy and gladness on a daily basis. Through prayer and the reading of His Word, one could change the way that they view life. When this is done, God will provide us with His joy. So let's go out and rejoice for all the Lord has done, He has done great things!

Got fruit? 1

Isn't it interesting how people will respond to the question: "Do you believe in God?" Most people think that they are not only generally good, but many also think they are Christians. To be a Christian means that you are becoming Christ-like, a Christ follower. It is living a life that is not only pleasing to Him, but a life that is bearing good fruit. Paul, writing to the church in Galatia writes, "But the fruit of the spirit is love." One of the fruits that a believer must exhibit in his or her life is the fruit of love. The word love here, in this passage, refers to a sacrificial kind of love. It is not a warm fuzzy feeling, and it is not based on what you will receive. It is based on what you give to others. It involves laying down your life for the sake of another individual. Jesus said that people would know that we are His disciples if we have love for one another. We are to love God with all our heart, we are to love our neighbors, and we are even to love our enemies. Do you have Christian love in your life?

The battle plan (walk) 3

Ephesians 5:2 says, "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma." Walking in love is no easy task. In fact, I would have to say that the battle begins in the heart. Jesus told us that we are to love our neighbor and that we are to love our enemies. The Bible tells husbands that they are to love their wives as Christ loves the church. Since the battle begins in the heart, then we should pray and ask God to help us to display this kind of love. It is a supernatural thing to perform all or some of these things. I am a firm believer that our relationship with God affects all other relationships. If we are having a problem loving others, then there must be something clogging our relationship with God. In Deuteronomy, it says that we are to love the Lord our God with all heart, with all our soul and with all our strength. If we can do this first, then there should be less trouble loving our fellow man. A good battle plan must include a good loving relationship with God!