Fruit Of The Spirit
Reaping Righteousness
The Fruit Of Love
November 1, 2020 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
The fruit of love is more than just a feeling. It's a verb predicated on a conscience choice to purposely, sacrificially, compassionately, and unconditionally care for the needs of others. Stated differently, biblical love deliberately expresses itself in compassionate ways and seeks the welfare of others, even at the expense of one's own. It is compassionate, unconditional self-sacrifice at work. Does your life exhibit love, the highest of the Christian virtues?
The Fruit Of Joy
November 8, 2020 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
Fruit reflects the quality of the tree that produced it. If the fruit of Christian love is an action (and it is) then the fruit of joy is an attitude. Christian joy is a state of mind, not a feeling; it’s an attitude, not an emotion. The joy of the Lord that we have as believers is not dependent upon what happens to us or the circumstances around us. It is something Christians exhibit even in the midst of utter unhappiness and unspeakable sorrow.
The Fruit Of Peace
November 15, 2020 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
The Fruit of Peace is that settled contentment that knows that no matter the anxiety of the situation, God is sovereignly in control—that He is not an absentee landlord. It’s is a supernatural assurance that believes that God will work all things out for good for those who love Him—either in this life or in the life to come. It is that inward tranquility that puts us spiritually at ease even with the things around us are anything but. It is that trusted confidence in God’s flawless wisdom and in His infinite power to calm the storms in our life, no matter how ferocious they are. Do you exhibit this fruit? Is it possible for a redeemed person not to have a peaceful heart?
The Fruit Of Patience
November 22, 2020 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
The fruit of patience is not so much about exercising tolerance with the annoyances in life—be it dealing with children who fumble their homework, driving in rush-hour traffic, or a putting up with a lazy spouse who doesn’t pick up their dirty laundry. Rather, the fruit of patience is that God-given ability to wait on Him and His timetable, with expectancy and faithfulness, during difficult and distressing times. Does patience characterize your Christian walk?
The Fruit Of Kindness
November 29, 2020 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
When it comes to the fruit of kindness (as well as the fruit of goodness), the law of cause and effect applies. Our outward kindness is what our inward goodness causes. Or, said another way, our kind deeds outwardly stem from a good heart inwardly—both of which are induced by the Holy Spirit in the life of a submissive and obedient believer. It's a supernatural process inasmuch as it is a growth process. Are you a submissive and obedient Christian that shows godly kindness to others?
The Fruit Of Goodness
December 13, 2020 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
There is more to being a Christian than carrying a name. As "little Christs," believers ought to look and behave like the BIG Christ. And this is where the Fruit of the Spirit come into play in the life of a believer (Gal. 5:22-23). The fruit of goodness, along with all the other fruit for that matter, characterized the life and ministry of our Lord. It is an excellence of character that seeks to "do" good and "be" good for the practical benefit of others.
The Fruit Of Faithfulness
January 10, 2021 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
When a believer walks in submission and obedience to Jesus Christ, it is unavoidable that, over time, the Spirit of God will produce in them a committed conviction for, and a deeper faith in, the God of the Bible! This is known as the fruit of faithfulness; believing that God is who He says He is and then continuing in that belief despite the whims of life. Does faithfulness characterize your life?
The Fruit Of Gentleness
January 17, 2021 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
To bear the fruit of gentleness is to behave as Jesus did with the sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50. It's when we care enough not to be harsh, rash, angry, or rough. Consider how we handle a fresh egg in the palm of our hand, or a newborn baby in our arms, or a butterfly on our hand. We have the power to crush those things in our natural strength but, instead, we handle those things with the utmost care and grace. How much more as Christians should we deal with others with the same gentleness.
The Fruit Of Self-Control
January 24, 2021 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
In the simplest terms, the fruit of self-control is the spiritual strength to say “No” to impulsivity and the lusts of the flesh and “Yes” to self-discipline and Spirit-filled living. As such, God expects that we, as Spirit-filled believers, apply this fruit to our minds, mouth, and money. It’s a spiritual discipline that is perfected in us over time by the Holy Spirit when we willingly, submissively, and obediently walk in communion with Jesus Christ.