🍒THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (4)🍒

[Faith, Meekness, Temperance]

If a mango tree bears oranges, that would be a surprise. It would be strange. Similarly, it is unusual when we manifest characteristics that are not of the tree we are attached to –Jesus.

In our last edition, we saw in John 15 that we are the branches and Jesus is the Vine. Our fruits are our works and our attitude. Our key scripture, Galatians 5:19-23 suggest that we should rather manifest the fruits of the Spirit. We have discussed 6 fruits: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness and goodness in our previous editions.

Herein, we'll look at the last three: meekness, temperance, faith.

Faith

Faith is translated from the Greek word 'Pistis'. Faith is a crucial component of our Christian journey. Faith is our believe in God, His Word and His abilities. We can consider the subject of faith as a fruit and gift of the spirit.

Faith as a fruit is a quality of being confident in God and all He says. Faith is holding on against all logical reasons to continue. Faith as a fruit is the habit of hanging on the word of God until it is fulfilled.

We are instructed to walk by faith and not by sight. This is difficult to do except the Holy Spirit enables you. My encouragement to you is that it is possible to walk by faith, trusting ONLY on God's promises.

So dear, believe God; believe that His counsel and wisdom is the best for you. You won't see the results before you act, that is why faith helps you to see! Yes, with the eyes of faith.

Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is the evidence of things not seen. This evidence is visible to the eyes of your spirit. Go ahead and live by faith. 'The just shall live by faith.' Also read: Hebrew 2:4 Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:38.

Meekness

This is the 8th fruit of the Spirit, tanslated from the Greek term 'Prautes' which means tenderness. Other strokes from the original term also means 'Suffering injuries without feeling revenge'.

My Pastor, Bishop John said meekness is strength under control. That makes sense. Meekness does not mean weakness. We fail to manifest this gift when we want to prove to someone that we can, especially when it involves violence. That's not the character of Jesus.

Before Pilate, he had evidence to defend himself, but he was so meek and harmless. He could call down warrior angels during his arrest at the Garden of Gethsemane, but he did not. He even rebuked Peter for trying to defend him.

I realised that God fights for you when you are meek. He resist the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6) Pride puts you at variant with God.

Your humility might attract the mockery of men, but it will attract the presence and hand of God. Remain humble. (Also read Mat 5:5, Ps 25:9, 2 Corin 10:1, Job 22:29, Prov. 29:23, Ps147:16, James 2:21)

Temperance

This is the ninth and last fruit of the Spirit according to Gal 5:22,23. It means self control. It is a moderation on your indulgence in appitite and passion. It is the exercise of godly restrain on our excesses.

Temperance teaches us not to be hot-tempered. It is a conscious withdrawal of harsh reactions which could hurt someone else. Temperance is that voice that says 'Hold your peace; take it easy; be calm.'

This virtue can save you from problems, regrettable ones. Apostle Peter recommended that we should add temperance to our faith. (2 Peter 1:15)

You need temperance. I reiterate, you cannot manifest these virtues on your own. That's why it is supplied by the Holy Spirit. Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit! Welcome to the newness of life. God bless you.

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