J
So, with the hope of saying things I perceive need to be said in accordance to the understanding God has given me, as well as many of you. What does the word say of the fruit that is of the spirit of God? when Jesus says His followers are recognized by their fruit, I would conclude myself that at least in part these fruits are an identifier of His followers
galatians 5:22-23 " But the fruit of the spirit is Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. against such things there is no Law."
a few verses that connect
colossians 3:12-14 " therefore as Gods CHOSEN people, holy and dearly Loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive AS the Lord forgave you. and over all these virtues put on Love which binds them together in perfect unity."
James 3:17 -18 " But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace, raise a harvest of righteousness."
These are a small sample of the things that conclude obedience to Christ in His church, many more to be found just like these. If we are called to argue each point and act in the things like dissention, factions, divisions, arguments, constant opposition, because of people who are just looking to act in the things of the sinful nature ( all of these are identified as sinful in and around these same sets of scripture) then we are actually working against the name we profess. if we feel we are to rebuke lets do it within the paramiters of the spirit and not operating in the sinful nature. Not to win an argument, but in hope that someone will grow in Christ and also when we take these virtues as our guidelines you find that very often there is no sin pulling at you, far less are temptations we struggle with because the spirit is our protection from the weakness of the flesh.
just my thoughts. and honestly I cant see how this would turn to an argument. I'm hoping that some will simply consider that its the word of God we all believe in, even if its not my opinion, maybe its best to accept and study these things sop that they will become our thoughts and actions more and more.
God bless you in the abundance of Christ who is fully capable and willing to provide all we need for righteousness and all else
galatians 5:22-23 " But the fruit of the spirit is Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. against such things there is no Law."
a few verses that connect
colossians 3:12-14 " therefore as Gods CHOSEN people, holy and dearly Loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive AS the Lord forgave you. and over all these virtues put on Love which binds them together in perfect unity."
James 3:17 -18 " But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace, raise a harvest of righteousness."
These are a small sample of the things that conclude obedience to Christ in His church, many more to be found just like these. If we are called to argue each point and act in the things like dissention, factions, divisions, arguments, constant opposition, because of people who are just looking to act in the things of the sinful nature ( all of these are identified as sinful in and around these same sets of scripture) then we are actually working against the name we profess. if we feel we are to rebuke lets do it within the paramiters of the spirit and not operating in the sinful nature. Not to win an argument, but in hope that someone will grow in Christ and also when we take these virtues as our guidelines you find that very often there is no sin pulling at you, far less are temptations we struggle with because the spirit is our protection from the weakness of the flesh.
just my thoughts. and honestly I cant see how this would turn to an argument. I'm hoping that some will simply consider that its the word of God we all believe in, even if its not my opinion, maybe its best to accept and study these things sop that they will become our thoughts and actions more and more.
God bless you in the abundance of Christ who is fully capable and willing to provide all we need for righteousness and all else