The final three in that cluster of fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 are concerned with out continuing attitude. The words are "faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control". These complete the list of the characteristics of Christ which the Spirit wants to develop in us. Faithfulness has to do with our commitments or promises. Did you notice the words of the second part of Psalm 15:4 (he) "who keeps his oath (his promise) even when it hurts"? Can we be relied on to do what we say even when it is inconvenient to ourselves? In a church situation, so often a person is asked or appointed to do a particular task or accept a position, only to discover that they have done nothing about it. A musician or a teacher who fails to turn up can cause very real problems. Proverbs 12:22 in the Living Bible says, "God delights in those who keep their promises." How do we respond to that? Gentleness is translated as meekness in the KJV. It is a mark of humility. Only two people are spoken of in the Bible as being meek: Moses and Jesus Christ. Remember the words of Christ to James and John when they wanted prominence, "Whoever wants to be great among you, let him be the servant of all."(Mark 10:44) Meekness is not the same as weakness. Our Lord, who had all the power of heaven and earth at His command, was meek and lowly. In 2 Timothy 2:25 Paul reminds Timothy that even those who oppose the Lord's servant must be dealt with gently. That is not natural. Self-control or temperance is the last word of the nine. Proverbs 25:28 says, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." He is open to every attack of the enemy. Peer pressure among our young people can only be faced where that person has learned self-control. These are the fruit of the Spirit. He will produce them all if we will allow Him to do so. |