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FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 101

Let us look at these nine fruit of the spirit specifically and let watch for these
becoming more and more prevalent in our life, our heart, our mannerisms,
our behavior, etc.
1) Love: love can defined as either of the two forms

(I)Philadelphia/Brotherly Love
Another Greek word for love is phileo; it represents mutual tender affection-
the sharing, warm fuzzies. Its love that focuses on both giving and
receiving. The relationship between Lazarus and Jesus depicts this type of
love.

The word 'Philia means affection (as in Philadelphia which means brotherly
affection or brotherly love (delphos = brother)). Phileo is an emotional,
brotherly love, a love which would best be illustrated in the Bible as that
between David and Jonathan

(ii)Agape/ Godly Love

There is also another the Greek word for love: agape which represents an
attitude of love that is non selfish. It has a self-less interest with its focus on
primary giving to others. Agape can be described as unconditional positive
regard, a personal state of mind that spurs us into helpful, needful action in
personal simplicity, humility, compassion and equanimity. Agape is the
higher form, manifestation of God's true love for all of us which we all still
do need to personally have, promote, cultivate by letting God have full
control of our lives.

Ro.5:5 .And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his
love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given.

The scripture tells to have both these kinds of love, that is to have great
fondness or affection for somebody(Philadelphia) and to love so much that
we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for somebody because of our
relationship with that somebody(Agape).John 3:16
When our love goes beyond a fondness for God into the willingness to
sacrifice our all to Him, then we are maturing in the Holy Spirit.
2) Joy
Joy is much deeper than happiness. Happiness is usually produced by
happenings, when the happening is over, the happiness subsides.
Joy abides deep within the Holy Spirit filled believer even on the worst
day of their life. Joy is the ever present work of God as He cheers us no
matter what we are going through.
“….the joy of the Lord is your strength.”Nehemiah8:10
3) Peace
Peace is an inner calmness and quietness produced by the Holy Spirit.
It means serene or at rest in soul, spirit and heart
Refer to Romans 14:17-19
4) Longsuffering
Long suffering means to suffer for a long time, it refers to forbearance,
fortitude, endurance, and longanimity.This fruit of the spirit will keep us
from quitting and questioning
5) Gentleness
Gentleness is to be excellent in character and demeanor; to be useful in
manners and morals by kindness, easiness and graciousness.
Psalm18:35, James 3:17, 1Thessa 2:7 and 2Tim 2:24
6) Goodness
Goodness is virtue or beneficence, when this fruit of the Holy Spirit is
manifest in us, as we mature; our life becomes beneficial to God and
others. Life is not about us, but how many people benefit from our help.
Acts10:38
7) Faith
Faith is confidence, dependence, trust or reliance upon Christ, His
abilities and His word. A person maturing in the Holy Ghost has more
and more of this type of faith.
As our faith grows, its potential is LIMITLESS.
Mat 21:21
8) Meekness
Meekness is the inner strength to trust in God to take care of your battles,
circumstances and needs. It is putting all in God’s hands and LEAVING
IT THERE, NOT TAKE IT BACK LATTER BY STARTING TO
WORRY ABOUT IT AGAIN.
Meekness is humility. (Numbers 12:1-3)
9) Temperance
Temperance is self- control. Holy Spirit-given Power to control your
emotions, body, thought life, soul, etc. 1Cor9:25
Vukile Mandla
God Bless

NB: Ps Ray McCauley is hosting a seminar on the Holy Spirit at Rhema


Bible Church in Randburg from the 6th-9th March 2009 starting at 18h30.

No super Christians allowed.

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