Good Fruit-Luke 6:43-45 No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Isaiah 32:17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
Matthew 12:33 Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit Bad Fruit Acts of the sinful nature
Sexual immorality. Impurity. Idolatry. Debauchery .Factions. Hatred. Drunkenness. Jealousy. Lust . Filthy language. Witchcraft. Envy . Selfish ambition. orgies. greed. fits of rage. Slander. Anger . Evil desires. Malice. Deceit. (Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5-9)
LOVE
Seeks the highest good of others
Love is not based on emotions or feelings. It is a decision to be committed to the well being of others without any conditions or circumstances.
John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 13:9 Jesus said: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."
John 15:12-14 Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command."
Church, in (1 John 4:7-12) let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Church, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
JOY
Gladness not based on circumstances
Joy is more than happiness. It is not based on financial success, good health, or popularity. By believing in God, obeying his will, receiving his forgiveness, participating in fellowship with other believers, ministering to others, and sharing the Gospel, believers will experience joy.
Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."
John 17:13 Jesus said: "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them."
John 16:22-24 Jesus said: "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete
1 Peter 1:8, 9 Though you have not seen him [Jesus], you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
PEACE
Contentment, unity between people
Peace is a state of assurance, lack of fear, and sense of contentment. It is fellowship, harmony, and unity between individuals. Peace is freedom from worry, disturbance, and oppressive thoughts.
Isaiah 9:6, 7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Romans 14:9 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification
l Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
Philippians 4:6, 7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
PATIENCE
Slow to speak and slow to anger
Patience is a slowness in avenging wrongs. It is the quality of restraint that prevents believers from speaking or acting hastily in the face of disagreement, opposition, or persecution. Patience is bearing pain or problems without complaining.
In a letter to his friend Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote:
l Timothy 1: 15-17) This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--and I was the worst of them all. 16But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17Glory and honor to God forever and ever. He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. (Foolishness).
Proverbs 15: 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, (contentious quarreling) but a patient man calms a quarrel.
1 Thessalonians 5: 14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, (lacking in courage or self-confidence) help the weak, be patient with everyone.
James 5:8, 9 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.
KINDNESS
Merciful, sweet, and tender Kindness is an eagerness to put others at ease. It is a sweet and attractive temperament that shows friendly regard.
Titus 3 :4, 5 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 2:6, 7 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 11: 16, 17 A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
Jeremiah 9:23, 24 "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
GOODNESS
Generous and open hearted
Goodness is the selfless desire to be open hearted and generous to others above what they deserve.
Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Psalm 23: 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever
Ephesians 5:8-10 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Galatians 6:9, 10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
FAITHFULNESS
Dependable, loyal, and full of trust
Faithfulness is firm devotion to God, loyalty to friends, and dependability to carry out responsibilities, Faith is the conviction that even now God is working and acting on one's behalf.
Isaiah 11 :5 Righteousness will be his [Jesus'] belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist When seeing a vision of Jesus, John said: (Revelation 19:11) "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True."
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Proverbs 3:3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Reprimanding a group of hypocritical religious leaders, Jesus said:
Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness.
You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."
Revelation 2: l0 Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
GENTLENESS
Humble, calm, non-threatening Gentleness is a humble non-threatening demeanor that derives from a position of strength and authority, and is useful in calming another's anger. Gentleness is not a quality that is weak and passive.
Jesus said: (Matthew 11 :28-30) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew quoted Zechariah 9:9 in reference to Jesus' triumphal entry: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Matthew 21: 5)
Proverbs 15: 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
1 Corinthians 4:21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
Philippians 4:4, 5 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
1 Peter 3: 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
SELF-CONTROL
Behaving well Self-control is to restrain one's emotions, actions, and desires, and to be in harmony with the will of God. Self-control is doing God's will, not living for one's self.
On the night Jesus was betrayed, he knelt down and prayed,
Luke 22:41, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
1 Peter 2:23 When they [his accusers] hurled their insults at him [Jesus], he did not retaliate; when he [Jesus] suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Proverbs 25 :28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
Proverbs 29: 11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control
Titus 2: 11, 12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Galatians 5:22, 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Bearing Fruit
Jeremiah 17:7, 8 But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
In Ephesians’ 5: 8-11 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.