Fruits of the Spirit, conclusion

We're finishing up our collaborative study of the fruits of the Spirit this week. I so appreciate those who have invested their time in preparing posts for us to read and study. I would like for everyone to join me in praying for the improved health of all of our sisters who study here; there were several who would have liked to participate and provide a post, but their ill health prevented them. I pray that God will bless them with strength and much better health, and I send my love to them.

Today will be a sort of "round up" of the fruits that we've not studied yet: kindness, goodness, peace, and patience. (Oh, boy, that last one!)

First, let's endeavor always to show kindness to others; it is a trait that Jesus modeled for us, and we can look to His example as we strive to show kindness to all.

A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. (Proverbs 11:16-17)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

Goodness. Not just to our believing friends, but even to our enemies . . .

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35)

Another fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace. Inner peace that He gives us, and a peace that we share with the world, as instruments of His peace. . .

Blessed are the peacemakers,    for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.  (Romans 14:17-19)

Finally, let us try to cultivate and utilize patience. Oy vey. That's a tough one for me sometimes. Are we guilty of taking in the things that irritate and tax our patience, and just internalizing that stress? How much we miss, when we do not ask for His help in handling these things. Do we "take all we can" and then flare up at someone, and cause hurt feelings, or a tarnished testimony? Take it to our Father in prayer, and He will help us do better.

Be still before the Lord    and wait patiently for him;do not fret when people succeed in their ways,    when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;    do not fret—it leads only to evil. (Psalm 37:7-8)

This has been a wonderful week of study! Many thanks to all who "tuned in" here this week. Join us next week as we resume our "women of the Bible" series!