by Galatians 5:22-25 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Just how do we do this? How do we actually show “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” towards others? How do we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives?
In part I, we discussed showing the “fruit of the Spirit” by LOOKING on others and having compassion as Christ had compassion on others. Now, let’s look at another way we can demonstrate the “fruit of the Spirit” in our lives.
LISTEN
Has one ever thought that God gave us two of a lot of things on our body; but only one mouth? Our verse above ends with saying, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” It does not say, “let us also talk in the Spirit.”
Walking is an action that can be done without speaking. It involves LISTENING to others around us. I love to listen to things like the rain, the birds, the wind, and even other people. It is an art that anyone can learn if one just closes their mouth and opens their ears.
Recently, my daughter and I were at a restaurant for dinner. We started talking before the food was delivered. Then some people sat behind us. They were quit loud in their speech. Soon, we found ourselves shishing each other because we found it way more amusing to LISTEN to the conversation behind us. Afterwards, she said, “I never knew that just listening to others could be so entertaining.” She learned quit a few things during that meal and we hardly ever spoke.
Matthew 11:15 “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
While we are walking in the Spirit – and LISTENING – we are to be doing good. Again not talking, but doing.
Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
According to Galatians 5:25 and 6:10 we are to be walking and doing to demonstrate the “fruit of the Spirit” in our lives. Not, talking. Talking should be kept to a minimum then we would be less likely to get ourselves in trouble. Think about it this way:
James 3:8 “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”
Since we cannot control the tongue without God’s help, it is best to keep it shut. If we do open our mouths, it should be as salt to those around us.
Matthew 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
Salt is used sparingly, if at all. When it is used – it is used to enhance the flavour of the meal. Our speech should enhance the flavour of the conversation. Ever pick up a salt shaker and turn it upside down and have all the salt pour out on the meal? It ruins the meal. Now put this into perspective with our speech. If we talk and never shut up, then we are probably destroying the whole conversation. I can be guilty of this at times. I have to catch myself and think, “Kim, you are talking too much, shut up and let others talk.”
All too often, we speak way more than we should. If we would just shut up – lessen the salt – and LISTEN to others, we could better understand more about others. If we understood more about others, we could know their thoughts, their ideas, their problems, etc. We could LOOK (point #1) at them and understand what they are trying to say.
LOOKING and LISTENING now puts us behaving how Christ behaved. If we behave more like Christ, we can have compassion on people and demonstrate the “fruit of the Spirit” in our lives towards others.
Read the New Testament, especially the 4 Gospels which give the account of Christ’s life here on earth. He knew everything about everyone because he is God. However, he still allowed people to speak.
Time after time, Jesus let people tell them their troubles. He knew their problems already. He could have rudely stopped their talking and said, “I know your difficulties. You don’t have to bother me with it. I’ll take care of it. I’ll make you walk again. I’ll make you see again. I’ll heal you from sickness, etc.” But he did not! He knew their problems, but he still took time to LISTEN.
James 1:19 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…”
We certainly need to take the time to LOOK on others with compassion like Christ and we need to take the time to LISTEN to others as Christ did. Only by doing these two things can we really demonstrate the “fruit of the Spirit” towards others.
Through Christ’s life, we actually know how to show “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” towards others. In our daily lives, we can exhibit the “fruit of the Spirit” towards others.
Now what do we do?
LEARN
We’ve LEARNED to LOOK with compassion and LEARNED to LISTEN and speak less. We’ve LEARNED to LEARN about others through looking and listening. Now, let’s put these thoughts into action in our lives. Let’s do them!
John 13:15-17 “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
Philippians 4:9 “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Through Christ’s life we have LEARNED to LOOK, LISTEN, and LEARN about others so we can show compassion and the “fruit of the Spirit” towards other people in our daily lives.
We can be loving, joyful, peaceful, longsuffering, gentle, good, faithful, meek, and temperate towards others. Through Christ, we can do this!
Now get out there and LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN!
For this new job qualification for Christians:
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- No speaking ability is required.
