March 2 “FRUIT BEARER” Galatians 5:22-23
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
We are called, as Believers, to “Bear Fruit” in our walk with Christ! The scriptures tell us that we will be known by “our fruits!” The question, today, is, are we bearing fruit in our walk with Christ? Are we demonstrating LOVE in our daily interactions with others? Do we express JOY in every situation? Are we enjoying His PEACE in our growing relationship with Him? Are we patient and LONGSUFFERING with others along the journey? Is our response to others, one of GENTLENESS, or are we course and caustic in our relations with others? Is our life reflective of His GOODNESS? Are we truly exercising His Holy FAITH in all that we do? Can we be described as demonstrating MEEKNESS ("Meekness" is a humble attitude that expresses itself in the patient endurance of offenses. It implies mercy and self-restraint. Meekness is not weakness)? Are we demonstrating TEMPERANCE, our moderation in thought, word, or action. Are we practicing temperance by SELF-CONTROL and showing restraint in our passions and behaviors and daily actions? The Scriptures speak of the “FRUIT” of the Spirit! Not Fruits, but One Continuous expression of Nine Parts, that, together, create the very image of Christ in us! If you are to be “CHRIST-LIKE,” then, these Nine Passions must be a part of your total existence! “REPENT!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Postscript: When you look into a “Spiritual” Mirror, do you see someone that is committed to serving God, making every day an example of His Grace and Compassion? Are you recognizing that your motives, actions, and words are bringing folks closer to God, not further away? “Miss” Ruth Driver used to say, “Remember who you are and where you came from…” Friends, our opinions, prejudices, interpersonal squabbles, personality conflicts have a tendency to take priority in our lives, yet they may not be edifying to God! As my dear mother would instruct me, “Watch Your Mouth!” If your actions, motivations are not righteous and Christ-Centered, then leave it alone!