Fruit concerning OTHERS

Sunday we will be looking at the "fruit of the Spirit" here at the Gaylord E-Free Church.  Yesterday I
defined the first category of fruit that I called the fruit that deal with the OMNIPOTENT (love, joy and peace).  Today I would like to give a brief definition of the next 3 "fruit of the Spirit" that are the fruit that deal with OTHERS.  Here they are:

PATIENCE

This simply speaks of the ability to stay under control for a long period of time without lashing out in anger or in frustration.  This is speaking about having patience with people.  If I were to connect patience with a real fruit it would be the "ugli fruit."  Have you ever seen one of those?  They are horrid looking but when you peel it and eat it there is a nice sweet taste to it.  The logo of the "ugli fruit" is this, "The beauty is in the eating."  If you just look at it you will always frown but if you taste it you will see how good it is.  Many people today try to avoid patience because James tells us that trials produce patience.  The erroneous thought is that if you pray for patience, God will send you trials.  Folks, the beauty of patience is in the tasting of it.  You are going to experience trials.  There is no getting around that.  As a result, you will need patience so you might as well ask God for it!  It is a natural by-product of walking by the Spirit.

KINDNESS

This word speaks of a gracious, kind and gentle response to others, even those who don't deserve it.  Kindness looks for ways that it can make the lives of others easier.  This is what Jesus meant when He told us to do good to those who are our enemies.

GOODNESS

This speaks of moral excellence and generosity.  It is somewhat rare as the word is used only 4 times in the entire New Testament.  Showing moral and spiritual excellence is a natural by-product of walking by the Spirit.  Being generous is a natural by-product of walking by the Spirit.  In fact, in the very next chapter (Galatians 6) Paul will tell us to do good to all men - especially those who are of the household of faith.