It is an amazing fact that the Bible teaches that every Christian can be like Christ! So a key aim for every Christian must be to abide in Christ, John 15. 4. When we are in tune with our Saviour, we will be like Him and the result will be that we produce the ‘fruit of the Spirit’, Gal. 5. 22. Every Christian will be like Christ in eternity, but we should regularly ask the question ‘how could I be more like Him now?’
by living out the truth of Galatians chapter 5 verses 22-23
Love: giving sacrificially to others (even those we think are undeserving) irrespective of the response.
Joy: heavenly rejoicing and ‘holy hope that perseveres.
Peace: a tranquil serenity coming from contentment in the will of God.
Longsuffering: endurance under provoking circumstances. The word is literally ‘long tempered’ - no Christian should be known for having a ‘short fuse’.
Kindness: tender compassion in our actions.
Goodness: acting for the good of others, even when difficult action is required.
Faithfulness: personal reliability, and also not doubting God.
Gentleness (meekness): the ability to be powerful without arrogance; lowly while inwardly strong (see the example of Moses in Numbers chapter 12 verse 3 and the Lord Jesus in Matthew chapter 11 verse 29).
Self control: disciplined lives – just as athletes exercise self control in their relationships, food intake, and other desires so that they don’t interfere with their training, 1 Cor. 9. 25.
We may find some of these things harder to practise than others. However, showing just part of the fruit (singular) of the Spirit is like being an orange with segments missing. God working in someone’s life will produce a balanced character!
The promise of the Lord Jesus is for every Christian: ‘He that abides in Me and I in Him, bears much fruit’ John 15. 5.
yps.
