Memory Verse: 1 Tim. 6:11 But thou, o man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, goodness, faith, love, patience and meekness.
Comments: In Galatians 15:16, Paul wrote on walking in the Spirit as a crutial desire for Christians to cultivate, His emphasis was based on the possibility of Christians to live victorious lives. Gal. 5:18
LONGSUFFERING OR PATIENCE: Patience has to do with being slow to anger or despair. When we are offended, we have to walk in patience towards our offender. Patience is being able to endure, tolerate and accommodate other people. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) patience does not give room for retaliation, but rather accommodates and promotes brotherly love. Ephesians 4:2, 2 Tim. 3:10, Hebrew 12:1.
THE QUALITIES OF PATIENCE.
- Endurance – 2 Timothy 2:3
- Love – 1 Timothy 6:11
- Forgiveness – Colossians 3:12-13
- Self Control – Proverbs 25:28
GENTLENESS: Gentleness means to be meek, calm and kind, doing things in a careful manner. Gentleness is a vital fruit in the lives of believers. Apostle Paul wrote on gentleness as a vital fruit of the Spirit – 2 Corinthians 10:1
Scripture References: – Matt.11:29, Corinthians 4:6, Galatians 1:9
GOODNESS: This connotes zeal for Truth and Righteousness. It also means an act of showing kindness. Goodness as a fruit of the Spirit is the core to victorious Christian living, Believers that personally exhibit goodness in daily living automatically live a victorious Christian life. In a nutshell, goodness comprises hospitality, generosity, forgiveness and love. Believers that cultivate and manifest this attributes live in total obedience to God’s commands.
Scripture References: Genesis 18:1-14, 2 Sam.2:6, Ruth 3:10-18, Ruth 4:1-16, Joshua 2:12, 6:17, 2 Kings 4:7-17.
CONCLUSION:
Patience, gentleness and goodness are characters in expression towards men. So cultivate these characters!.
