In this final part of the three part series on the fruit of the Spirit, we will look at what are called the inward qualities. They are Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
If you haven’t read part one or part two yet, I suggest starting there and then coming back and reading this final part. You can find them here, and here.
The Fruit Of Faithfulness
Faithfulness can be described as an enduring loyalty and trustworthiness.
In Lamentations 3: 22-23 we read “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to and end. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”
If you understand that God is faithful, you can have courage in times of trouble. We don’t have to fear the unknown because of God’s faithfulness. We can be confident He hears our prayers, we can conquer temptations, and we can praise Him- all because we know He is faithful.
While we can do our best to exhibit loyalty and trustworthiness in how we relate to those around us, God will always be perfectly faithful.
The Fruit Of Gentleness
Gentleness is the power to control your reactions to difficult people and situations. While this doesn’t mean that we should be a doormat for people to walk all over, it does mean that we should control how we respond to the negative situations we face.
We cannot be an effective representative of Christ if we are always flying off the handle at people that upset us. We need to learn to respond properly, and sometimes that means no response at all.
The Last Fruit Of The Spirit, Self-Control
Self-control is defined as “the ability to restrain inappropriate passions and appetites. It is resisting temptations of any kind of overindulgence.
I know most people usually think of practicing self control in the context of physical relationships, that is really only one small part of the meaning. Being self controlled doesn’t come naturally to us. We have to continually work at it in those areas where we struggle. Here are a few examples.
- Checking your temper.
- Watching the language you use.
- Sticking to a budget even when difficult.
- Not indulging in that third or fourth cookie.
- Putting your phone away at a reasonable hour to get enough needed sleep.
We all have struggles but with the help of God, we can learn to be self controlled when we face them.
A Final Thought On The Fruit Of The Spirit
These nine qualities we just looked at may seem impossible to implement in our daily lives. The goal isn’t to strive for perfection. We will naturally be better at exhibiting some fruits easier than others. And we are all different. You may also be better at different ones in different seasons of your life.
Do your best where you are, in the season you are in. Ask God to help you in the areas you need it most and he will help you. After all, He is Faithful.
*Definitions and some notes taken from the David Jeremiah Study Bible.*