Fruit Facts

6/24/09 Today I’m more comfortable with the “facts” label because I consulted Dr. Constable notes on the Galatians 5:22-23 passage.

He states, “Fruit is singular be cause it suggests the unified Christ-like character that the Holy spirit produces.” Constable also divides these qualities:

Mental or God-ward qualities (v.22)
Love (Gr. agape, self-sacrificing affection for others)
Joy (Gr. chara, deep-seated gladness regardless of circumstances
Peace (Gr. eirene, inner quietness and repose regardless of circumstances

Interpersonal or other-ward qualities (v.22)
Patience (Gr. makrothymia, forbearance even under provocation)
Kindness (Gr. chrestotes, benvolence and graciousness)
Goodness (Gr. agathosyne, constructive action reaching out to others

General or self-ward qualities (v.22-23)
Faithfulness (Gr. pistis, reliability, trustworthiness)
Gentleness (Gr. praytes, acquiescence to authority and consideration of others)
Self-control (Gr. enkrateria, ability to master oneself

I just included the Greek meanings so that we’re all on the same page with these behaviors as Paul was defining them.

All this to say what??? None of this means a hoot unless these words take life as you read them. Our own “want to” behave this way is not enough. Trust me, I really want to practice kindness---but as Scripture says, the very thing I want to do, I don’t do and that which I don’t want to do, I find myself doing. (a very loose paraphrase of Romans 15:15-17) At least I still have the “want to” mentality. I just need to be continually undergirded with God’s grace---remembering that under grace there is no bondage. Our walk is not just following the law or moral correctness but it is a manifestation of all that we possess because of Him and who He is. He motivates us to do what we know is right (that’s the “want to”) and then He provides the power to do it as we walk in the Spirit.

If reading those definitions reminded you of what is right and you now have the “want to” for any one or all of those behaviors, then it was worth the time it took me to find the info and type it up. Now it’s your turn----you just have to ask the Lord for the power---maybe you should be on your knees when you do it, that way you’ll be looking up and the focus will clearly be on Him and not yourself.