🍒THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (3)🍒

[Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness]

Scriptures reveal that we are the plantings of the Lord. In John 15, Jesus said that we are the branches attached to him, the Vine. He mentioned that our duty is to bear fruit being attached to the Source.

He has supplied us sufficient nutrients to bear fruits. These fruits are called fruits of the Spirit. Fruits help people identify a tree among other trees. We are not of this world, although in the world.

So what's the distinguishing factor? Our fruits! There are nine fruits of the spirit supplied by the Holy Spirit. We treated Love, Joy, Peace in the last edition. Herein, we'll discuss: Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness.

Longsuffering

This term is translated from the Greek word Makrothumia which connote patience, forbearing, waiting and endurance. These are all characteristics of our God. God is patient, He forbears, He waits, He endures.

Remember, the purpose of this study is not just to inform us of these spiritual fruits, but moreso, to encourage us to manifest them for the good of our lives and societies.

Bishop John Ekong said that longsuffering is bearing with one another in love until victory and expectations are achieved. It is holding up in confidence and faith over a challenging situation until there is a change in a positive direction.

Hebrews 10:35 says that 'Ye have need of patience, so that after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.' This means that God's calendar is different. So you would need to be patient to recieve whatever God promised you. Also read Romans 15:5, Revelations 3:10, Hebrews 12:1, 1Tim 6:11, James 5:10,11, James 1:4

Gentleness

This is translated from the Greek word Chrestotes which means being soft-spoken, kind, simple, even-tempered, well cultured, and refined in character. Gentleness is not lack of strength. It is not lack of capacity. It does not mean you are inferior, nor timid. It shows that you are mature and noble.

Gentleness makes you teachable. Gentleness is a requirement, if you want the hand of God to lift you. Remember, God resist the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Gentleness is a spirit that does not strive. It restrains you from fighting back. Gentleness reminds you that God fights for His people. This habits attracts more of God's presence to you. Make a conscious effort to be gentle. Ask the Holy Spirit to grow these fruits in you. Also read: 2 Samuel 22:36, Psalm 18:35.

Goodness

Goodness is another character of God which grows in us His children. Atatou is the Greek word for goodness which means the state of being nice, kindhearted, amicable, admirable, Godlike and generous.

One of the factors that trigger us to worship God is because God is good. Yes, we worship Him because He is good. Yet, like David, when we remember His goodness to us, it provokes thanksgiving.

This is what we should emulate. The seed of goodness is in you. Allow it germinate and grow. Heed to that inward prompting to do good. Do not think being good or doing good means you are weak. It might seem so before people, but before God, you're accurate.

Finally, recognize that in you is the ability to be patient. Allow that seed manifest. Ask God for the grace to be patient with Him and with people. He can also give you a gentle disposition. Just know that whenever you are harsh, that's not the quality of God.

Finally, be good. Do good. Be kind to people. Selah!

Also read: James 4:17, Matthew 5:43, James 1:17, Psalm 34:8

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