The most consistently effective form of witness is a display of the "Fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16-25). They are called fruit of the "Spirit" because they come about by supernatural involvement. The life which produces the fruit comes from within - this is not mere behavior modification. A parallel is that of Jesus being conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit. There is one fruit, but many evidences.
Love - Requiring us to accept all of God's children.
Acts 2:47; Romans 14:1; 13:8; Galatians 3:38
Love also involves forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:12-15; Mark 11:25; Matthew 18:21ff; Hebrews 12:15
Joy - A result of focusing on what is good; thankfulness leads to joyfulness. Philippians 4:4-9
Joy includes the ability to enjoy life, and is enhanced by having our priorities straight - "Jesus, Others, and You".
Peace - A peace which is both internal and external.
Peace with God - Romans 5:1,10; James 4:4; Romans 8:6,7; John 15:14,15; James 2:23; Philippians 4:7-9
Peace in human relations - Matthew 5:9; Psalm 23; Romans 12:19-21 from Proverbs 25:21,22; Matthew 5:23-26
Patience - The patient are those who are not easily provoked by the wrong doing of others; this is the ability to put up with imperfections, to be tolerant of others' failures. The patient are those who, when experiencing great trials, do not lose heart (they are "long-suffering"), and have the ability to keep going even during the tough times. Hebrews 10:32-34; Romans 15:4,5; James 5:7-11
Kindness - Developed out of an understanding of God's kindness toward us.
I Peter 2:3 from Psalm 34:8; Romans 2:4; Romans 11:22; Luke 6:35; Ephesians 4:32; II Corinthians 6:6; Colossians 3:12-14
Goodness - Doing what is beneficial to others (Galatians 6:10);
uprightness of heart and life (Romans 15:14; Ephesians 5:9);
and moral faithfulness (Exodus 20:1-18).
The Ten Commandments are still binding.
Faithfulness - Trustfulness. "You can count on me to do the job required, I will not fail nor fall back". (I Corinthians 4:1-5; Luke 12:40-48; Hebrews 6:12; Luke 17:7-10)
Faithfulness is a companion to "perseverance". (I Thessalonians 1:4; Hebrews 12:1-3; Hebrews 3:12 Hebrews 13:7; II Timothy 4:7)
What should we do when we become discouraged? Understand it as a test of faith(fullness), and so, resist it (I Peter 5:8,9); be strong (I Corinthians 16:13); and by all means, don't stay away from church. (Hebrews 10:23-25)
Gentleness - Opposite to "rough, hard, angry, violent, or bad tempered".
"Meekness" is not to be confused with "weakness". Moses was known to be the "meekest" man on earth (Numbers 12:3); he did not fight to maintain his position, yet he was a very strong leader.
Self-control - The word means "power or lordship over oneself", i.e. to be inwardly strong. However, we are under God's command, not merely our own self mastery. Also note these verses: Acts 24:25; II Peter 1:6; Titus 1:8; I Corinthians 9:25; I Corinthians 7:9; Matthew 5:21-26; Ephesians 4:26, 27.
A Developing Wisdom - Scriptures to Read: Proverbs 1-4; Luke 2:52; I Corinthians 1:20-25; Hebrews 5:11-14; James 1:5; II Peter 3:8; Ephesians 4:15; Acts 12:24; 19:20
1. Seek Instruction
Compare I John 2:27 with Acts 13:1 and I Corinthians 12:28.
Attend class or group instruction; choose reading material with care
2. Seek a Mentor - someone who has demonstrated maturity in their Christian walk.
I Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 4:9
Take the initiative to establish a relationship. All of us, at one time or another can truthfully say, "I believe in God, but sometimes I need someone with skin on."
3. Seek Counsel
There are several different kinds of counsel: Friendship Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, Christian Counseling, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists. The criteria for receiving counsel is that it must be: built on a Christian world view; based on the Word; conducive to strengthening relationship with God; and encourage the development of personal responsibility.
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