Being Different: Different Fruit Series

The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the byproducts of Christ’s control—we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without his help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to his (see John 15:4, 5). We must know him, love him, remember him, and imitate him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law—to love God and our neighbors.

LOVE

agape

Galatians 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.”

This love is the love of choice, referring not to an emotional affection, physical attraction, or a familial bond. It’s not the love where you get butterflies in your stomach when you look at that cute boy or girl. It’s not the love where you look at a muscle ripped guy or a really well stacked girl and go, “mmmhmmm.” It’s not even the love you have for your mom or dad or your siblings simply because you HAVE to love them.

This kind of love isn’t any of that. It is a love borne unto respect, devotion, and affection that leads to willing, self-sacrificial service. It’s the kind of love that nurses your mate when they are sick. It’s the love your show when you pick up your room the first time mom or dad asks you to. It’s the love that we give when we help others who are in need. It’s the kind of love that realizes it is not in emotions, but in doing for others sacrificially.

Steve Camp wrote about this in his 1980’s song, “Love’s Not A Feeling…”

Love's not a feeling, oh, we've got to learn

To get past our emotions to the meaning of the Word

Love’s not a feeling we can lose or throw away

Lord, give us the courage to live it every day.

JOY

Joy is not the result of favorable circumstances, and even occurs when those circumstances are the most painful and severe. Joy is a gift from God.

We have to realize that joy is not an emotion that can come or go, but it is a permanent state of mind. We can be happy one minute, and sad the next, then have it lead to anger in the next few minutes. Our emotions are a never-ending roller coaster, up and down, up and down. Rather, joy is a gift from God when we live a right relationship with Him, a daily walk and talk with Him. James told us to consider it joy when we encounter various trials in our lives. We may not be happy we have to go through them, but we can maintain joy knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

PEACE

Tranquility

You have probably heard it said that people will proclaim “Peace, peace,” but there is no peace. Peace seems to be something everyone longs for but no one can find on this world. That is because this old world is stained and cursed with sin, and there will never be peace until Jesus comes to set up His millennial kingdom on earth.

John 14:27 records Jesus saying, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. 1Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” Jesus speaks of two kinds of peace here. He speaks about the kind of peace that we world offers. That is a temporary peace – it is here today and gone tomorrow. When World War I concluded in 1918, it was called “The War to End All Wars.” It was expected that this would bring world wide peace.

Just 20 years later, in search of appeasing the rise of Nazi Germany, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain proclaimed that they had forged “peace in our time.” Months later, Hilter invaded Poland, and World War 2 ensued. Since the final defeat of World War 2, when people thought we had finally found peace, there have continued to be wars and rumors of wars. This world cannot offer peace.

Jesus also talked about “my peace that I give you.” It is this peace that Paul talks about in Philippians 4:7 when he says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The inner calm that results from confidence in one’s saving relationship with Christ. Like joy, peace is not related to one’s circumstances.

LONGSUFFERING

Patience

Finally, we take a look at the fruit of longsuffering. Do you want a lesson on longsuffering? Let’s take a look at Noah…