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LOVE Love (Greek, agape) was demonstrated
in its highest degree by the death of
Jesus on the cross (John 15:13). The old English of
the King James Version sometimes translated
agape as charity, sometimes as love.
However, the highest meaning is always Calvary's love. We use the English word "love" in many ways. In the Bible it is a loyal, steadfast, unselfish, freely given love, including a love for the poor, the underprivileged, strangers, and our enemies. Without love, no matter what gifts operate through us, we are nothing and will have no reward. In 1 Corinthians 13:2-3 Paul goes on
to describe love. Love
is patient. This means it is even-tempered, especially
toward those who provoke or injure. It endures insults and bears with those who disagree
or mock or make fun of us. Love cannot be short-tempered with those for whom Christ died. Love is kind. It does more than put up with abuse. It is actively kind
and returns good for evil, seeks out what it can do for others, and graciously puts itself in the service of others. It does not envy or boast. Because it is truly humble it never shows off, never parades its virtues,
and never draws undue attention to itself. It is not proud, never has an inflated ego. It does not lord it over others or treat them as unimportant. It never
demands its rights or recognition even for faithful service. Love is not rude or indecent. Love never knowingly or needlessly embarrasses or humiliates anyone. Our earthly example is Jesus.
His love was considerate and polite, never coarse or vulgar. Love is not self-seeking, grasping, or greedy. God so loved that he gave (John 3:16).
Love like His will make us more concerned about giving than getting. Love is not easily angered. Actually, the word "easily" is not in the Greek. If we are provoked, irritated, or angered because of things
done to us, that does not come from love. The Bible does mention God's anger. But
His anger rises because of what sin does to the people He loves. Love keeps no record of wrongs. Instead of resenting, it is forgiving. It takes the one who has done wrong into its heart and forgets the past. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices
in the truth. It never takes delight in the downfall or misfortunes of others, never says,
"I told you so," or, "It serves you right." Nor does it dig up the sins of the past. Instead, it rejoices
when it sees the advancement of the truth, that is, of the gospel
and whenever it sees a sincere acceptance of the truth. Love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres because its hope is fixed on Jesus. It
has faith in others and encourages them. The Proof Of Love Is The Willingness To Change. JOY Joy is not just a happy feeling. It is far more than having fun. It is not a grin we put on when people are watching us. It
is an active delight in the things of God, in His saving work, in the truth, in what God is doing in our fellow believers, and in the
eternal hope we have in Christ. Joy keeps us from self-pity. We can have this kind of joy even in times of trial, suffering,
and persecution. Joy Is The Fragrance Reserved For
The Obedient.
PEACE The kind
of peace that the Bible speaks of is more than absence of conflict, more than quietness and rest. It is full
of life and includes health, wholeness, harmony and well-being. It helps believers to move ahead for God in unity and
to recognize their need for real fellowship with each other and with the Lord. Peace Is Not The Absence Of Conflict, It Is The Absence Of Inner Conflict.
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PATIENCE
Patience includes putting up with people who mistreat us as well as being gentle with people who are different in race, culture, education, ideas, and personality. It recognizes that it takes time for
each of us to mature. Patience helps us to learn together, forgive mistakes without limit, and keeps us from being critical of one another. It is long-suffering in view of the fact Jesus is coming again and He will
bring full restoration. Patience
Is The weapon That Forces deception To Reveal Itself. KINDNESS
Kindness appreciates others because of
God's kindness to us. "When the kindness
and love of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy"
Titus 3:4-5. Kindness follows the example of Jesus. It is never harsh,
but appreciates and respects others as it seeks to heal and unite. The gift
of kindness does not sulk or expect a return from others, but freely and unconditionally gives to all. The parable of the
Good Samaritan is an example. People Don’t Care How Much You Know, Until They Know How Much You
Care. GOODNESS
Goodness includes generosity that shares with those in need (Romans 12:13; Ephesians 4:28).It cares about others in a practical way, sharing both material and spiritual blessings without boasting or seeking thanks.
Barnabas is an example (Acts 11:24). Goodness can also be expressed
in rebuke and discipline that recognizes God's holy righteousness. But in doing so, it is gentle, not harsh. Ecstasy To A Giver Is Discovering Someone Qualified To Receive. FAITHFULNESS Faithfulness is more than outward
conformity. It does not depend on circumstances.
It comes from a life of faith and trust
in God. It does not depend on passing moods, but reflects the faithfulness of God, who is always dependable. Because of God's pattern of faithfulness we know He will carry out His plan and Jesus will
come back to earth to fulfill all He has promised. By our faithfulness and obedience to God, we build relationships with each other and help them to build up their confidence in God. Uncommon Men Do Daily What Common Men Do Occasionally. GENTLENESS Gentleness is not weakness and has
no false modesty or self-depreciation. It flows from a humble concern for others. It is completely free from arrogance and is never manipulative or authoritarian.
It does not quarrel, seek to defend itself, or call on God for vengeance. It puts no
limit on helping others. Instead, it courageously seeks to protect others
and encourage their gifts and ministries. Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength. SELF-CONTROL Self-control concludes this list of fruit and Paul follows it by saying, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful
nature with its passions and desires." Self-control means that we overcome temptations to immorality,
anger, and covetousness. Self-control means also that we will not allow our weaknesses
to keep us from obeying God and His Word. Rather, we choose Jesus, recognizing that we
are not our own, we are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
We are like the athlete who runs to win a prize (1 Corinthians 9:24).
We depend on the Holy Spirit to help us. "For
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit
of power, of love and of self-discipline" 2 Timothy 1:7. What
You Can Walk Away From You Have Mastered.
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