Galatians 5:22-23 Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness & Goodness

Harshala Emmanuel - 18 November 2021

Gal. 5:22-23 (NIV) ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law.’

Apostle Paul is addressing the young church at Galatia and explains that the evidence or fruit of the renewed nature, or a transformed life is that which naturally grows out of the operation of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The more we humbly submit our plans, egos, ambitions, plans, needs, and desires to God and allow God the Holy Spirit to take total control of our daily lives, the greater is the evidence seen by others around us; we ourselves will notice it too.

By describing the works of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit, we are told what to avoid and oppose, and what we are to cherish and cultivate.

Galatians 5:19-21

‘Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication (sexual intercourse between people not married to each other), uncleanness, lewdness (vulgarity), idolatry, sorcery, hatred, arguments (contentions), jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions (disagreements), heresies (belief or opinion contrary to Christian doctrine), envy (greed), murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Apostle Paul describes the results of the Spirit as fruit, in strong and intentional contrast with the results of the flesh. This list of Christ-like attributes is very unique, very peculiar to Christian morality / moral values. We don’t even have to share verbally that we are followers of Christ, our conduct and character, over very lives in the marketplace will be a testimony that you and I are children of God. So never underestimate the good work of God Almighty in our lives!

What is God expecting from us?

Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:1 exhorts / encourages us to imitate Jesus Christ in each and every aspect of our lives and live a fruitful and blessed life. This is a life-long process, just like the life of a teacher, doctor, a farmer, or engineer, where one has to constantly learn and upskill and practise, reflect, and repeat the process.

Why?

1. We bring glory and honour to God Almighty. John 15:8 (NIV) Jesus said to his disciples “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
   

2. Others recognise us as followers of Jesus Christ. Luke 6:43-44 (NIV) “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.
   

3. Consequence: God’s goodness and mercy comes running after us! Psalm 22:6 (ESV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

How do we do bear fruit?

1. Only with the help and guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit, as born-again Christians and the Bible, Word of God.
   

2. Be focussed: Luke 8:14 (NIV) Jesus was talking Kingdom principles to the crowds that followed Him in a parable, namely the Parable of the Sower. “Now the grain that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” He teaches them to bear much fruit but warns them that the cares, riches, and pleasures of a sinful world, may completely distract and prevent them from being productive, according to God’s will.
   

3. Strenuous effort: These fruits do not appear upon us without strenuous endeavour on our own part and the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul exhorts the Philippian believers (Philippians 2:12-13) to work out their own salvation with fear of God and trembling / reverence/ respect.

The 9 components or flavours of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit

1. Love - To God and to human beings. 1 Corinthians 13 demonstrates the operations and effects of love.

2. Joy - In the love of God; in being saved; in communion with the Redeemer, and in his service; in duties of being a Christian, in trial, and in the hope of heaven (Romans 5:2; 1 Peter 1:8).

3. Peace - As the result of reconciliation with God; Romans 5:1.

4. Long-suffering - In affliction and trial, and when injured by others; 1 Corinthians 13:4.

5. Faithfulness - Mark 16:16 - The word here may be used in the sense of fidelity, and may denote that the Christian will be a faithful man, a man faithful to his word and promises; a man who can be trusted or confided in. Here Apostle Paul is not actually speaking of the feelings which we have toward God but illustrating the influences of the Spirit in directing and controlling our feelings toward people. The Christian is faithful as a man; faithful as a neighbour, friend, father, husband, son. He is faithful to his contracts and to his promises.

6. Gentleness - The same word which is translated "kindness" in 2 Corinthians 6:6. The word means goodness, kindness, benignity; and is opposed to a harsh, crabbed, crooked temper. It is a disposition to be pleased; it is mildness of temper, calmness of spirit, an unruffled disposition, and a disposition to treat all with civility (urbanity) and politeness. This is one of the regular effects of the Spirit's operations on the heart. It sweetens the temper; corrects an irritable disposition; makes the heart kind; disposes us to make all around us as happy as possible. This is true politeness.

7. Self-control - opposed to a hastiness to revenge and inclining us patiently to bear injuries.

8. Goodness - a nature/personality/disposition in us to hurt none, but to do all the good we can to all; it denotes integrity of character and of action, like Jesus. It is defined as righteousness, magnanimity, benevolence, generosity, or a disposition to do good to others. The sense is that a Christian must be a good person, kind, soft, winning, and tender, either in temper or behaviour like Christ. In Romans 15:14 (NIV), Apostle Paul encourages the Gentile Christians in Rome, “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” James 4:17 (NIV) ‘Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin’. In Luke 10:25-37 a certain lawyer stood up from the crowds and tested Jesus by asking how he could inherit eternal life. Jesus the illustrated the perfect example for goodness and kindness in action, in the parable of the good Samaritan. A certain man journeying from Jerusalem to Jericho was beaten up by thieves and all his things were stolen from him. A priest and then a Levite, both saw him but passed by, as they were busy and couldn’t be bothered; they had things to do, and places to go. But a certain Samaritan, when he saw the wounded man, had compassion, went to him, and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Jesus asked “So which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?” And the lawyer said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” This is also what Jesus expects from us! Goodness and kindness operate synergistically, hand-in-hand; character and behaviour.
   

9. Kindness - in rendering service to others; it is defined as compassion, sympathy, gentleness, humanity, and showing mercy to someone when they do not deserve it. Isaiah 54:8 (NIV) In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer. Jesus expects us to demonstrate the same degree of kindness to our family, friends, colleagues, and strangers.

Life Application: Let us take a few minutes to reflect -

1. What are some little acts of kindness that we can easily demonstrate? E.g., give compliments sincerely & generously, support someone in need, text, call, email or end a handwritten note, an old friend, buy flowers for a friend, say ‘I love you because’, make someone a playlist of their favourite songs, donate to a local charity, do a food swap, or share a walk in your bubble, etc.

2. Are we led 100% by the Holy Spirit in every minuscule aspect of our lives, body, soul, and spirit, daily? What is the average % of being led by God, on a daily basis in your life? Be honest.

3. Are we focussed on God’s Kingdom work and living fruitful lives 100%? What are the distractions we face – the cares, riches, and pleasures of the world around us, subtly introduced by the enemy, for e.g., busyness, work pressure, etc.?

For example, being busy / a workaholic; God is sometimes not a priority in our lives; self-dependence rather than Jesus-dependant, friendships, relationships, hobbies, activities, etc…

1. Think about people who showed you mercy, in unexpected situations. How did you feel? Now, identify people in our lives whom we need to forgive, to show mercy, kindness, and goodness. Also identify situations at home, work, relationships, friendships, or others where we have an opportunity to demonstrate godly wisdom and Christ-like attributes.

Pray now.

May our Lord Jesus bless you and make you to be a bountiful fruit-bearing tree in His Kingdom.

Amen.