The Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 KJV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such things there is no law. 

"Love.

Friend or foe?

Good or bad?"

"It all depends."

she says sweetly. 

"Depends?"

"Depends on who your model is." 

1 John 4:16 KJV And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 

Joy.

"Is it possible?

I have no strength."

"You're right.

You don't.

The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Nehemiah 8:10b KJV for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. 

Peace. 

Peace that passes understanding. 

Peace that grabs a hold of your heart.

Peace that Jesus gives. 

Philippians 4:7 KJV And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Patience. 

The forgotten virtue. 

"Why?" we ask,

"Why patience?"

It mirrors Christ. 

1 Corinthians 13:4a KJV Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not;

Kindness.

Kindness is like showing love.

To imperfect people.

Why?

Because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19 KJV We love him, because he first loved us.

Goodness. 

Like a kid in a candy store.

"Be good, and you'll get some."

they say.

But goodness is more

than an action. 

It infects.

Like a disease...

That brings blessing. 

Ephesians 5:9 KJV (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 

*note*: This is incomplete... the other fruits of the Spirit will be added later... 

What exactly does the word "save" mean?

This is an example of some of my (sort of) 18th century style writing. I hope you enjoy it. :) (it was for a school assignment)


This is my extended definition of the word Save:
"Save me!" is a cry of despair. This cry comes from deep within the spirit, and is only heard after hitting rock bottom. Save literally means; to rescue from danger or possible harm. Save also means; to rescue from the power and consequences of sin. Although this word has over 15 definitions, this meaning is the most beautiful, the most important, and the most valuable. It comes from the intermost part of mankind. "Redeem me, Jesus!" rings out like nails pounded into a wooden cross. It says just enough. It is always answered with a loving, "yes". It is a cry I know all too well.
"Rescue me!", a cry of last resort that is heard too often on the battle field. It is like the uncontrollable pounding of an antelope running to save its life. It is frantic, willing to do anything to save itself! Sadly, sometimes it is not heard. Men and women die in their bondage after screaming with all they had left inside them. This despair is too imperious. This cry is in need of something greater than fellow man.
"Preserve me!" is a simple warning. It is like the wind filling a silent vineyard in a year without rain. It is a warning to use what you have now, but also to save some for later, in times of famine and drought.
"I'm pinching pennies!" is a selfish plea. It sounds as awful as Scrooge all year round. Life is too short to penny pinch! Save up what you may need in your lifetime, no more, no less. Give freely. Love without expecting any return. To say, "I'm pinching pennies!", is selfish and unreasonable.
"Save me!" is a desperate cry that is like rain pounding on a window. It only ends when there is no more will power. "Ransom me!" is like the desperate, emotional cry of a human spirit in need of a Savior, a spotless lamb, named Jesus.