As we cling to the Truths of Jesus’ character- His loving kindness is notable. God is so capable of helping you regain strength, help us refrain from sinful living, and also help us to learn the gifts of the Spirit. I am studying the two words steadfast and compassion. What it means to show loving kindness in times where we are tested in our minds, with our tongues, and when it is really important to use self-control with those we love.
Psalm 51:10 is so important to my heart. It says: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. AND to be steadfast is to show loyalty. I want to exhibit honest and sincere efforts of loving kindness as I learn better how to be patient and use self control.
Faithfulness in definition we are coming from a place of loyalty and trust. If you are steadfast in love, you are to be showing faithfulness in character. In action when you are faithful you are conscientious, and showing allegiance. Devoted in love and in kindness, showing dependability, being reliable in relationships and to God.
Proverbs 3:3-4 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Now back to Galatians 5.
Goodness is the next word to study! Definition of goodness is being morally good and virtuous, and the quality or state of being good. Another word is to be acceptable. Other words are: to be favorable, satisfactory, positive, righteous, and agreeable.
Taste and see the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8 This comes with maturity to understand but this word Goodness is proven fruitful when walking into the BIG picture, and once practicing the Fruits of the Spirit and relying on being prosperous in all ways – this will be seen when you choose to live right.
Once we have had healing and our hearts have become softened. We see that we are more refreshed, and have a spirit of willingness instead of bitterness. He does take our burdens and make us feel lighter!
The term righteous is referring to being good and acceptable, and living an upright life and being dedicated to being saitsfied in Him while living in this world.
There is a parable: Luke 8:11-18 which I am studying. Please read about it on the next page. It speaks forth healing to the heart in order to grow prosperous and be the lights that we are suppose to be in dark places, with complicated people, and problematic interruptions.
We can indeed live in peace, in a quiet place with rest, and promote a calm -while relying on His truth.
Gentleness is the next fruit of the Spirit. It is the quality of being kind. It is to promote a sense of mild mannered assertion. Not demonstrating a sense of superiority but showing that you want to be helpful. You don’t show up to a situation with harshness, and try to avoid abrupt movements. Gentleness is to show up tender-hearted, and be meek, showing your heart has been softened. In the 1600’s it was noted that the definition of gentleness is to be FREE from harshness and violence. My best description: IS to LOVE without bringing harm to others! I care about the well-being of other people! Don’t promote Fear! Many religions do this! They will enable and stir up fear just to make money! Watch your behavior as it does impact many people.
2 Corinthians 2 is important. Paul speaks about his concern for the devil to outwit us. We need to be ministers of the new covenant. He talks about how competance comes from God. Chapter 3 speaks of being the ministry. You yourselves are a letter from Christ. Written not with ink, written in our hearts, a result of ministry, because of confidence we have in Jesus Christ. We are not competant because of ourselves we are only competant because of Him. Through His spirit we are competant ministers of the new covenant.
vs. 15 says “Even to this day when Moses is read a veil is covering their hearts; but whenever anyone turns to the Lord the veil is taken away. (vs 17) now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is – there is FREEDOM!” keep reading.. it is so good, and he talks about Gods mercy and losing heart! He says: “we are being transformed into Gods image, not to be full of ourselves but to realize ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord God who is Spirit.”
Once you recognize and accept, receiving salvation you are set free and able to live in the righteousness of God our Father. He reminds us in 2 Corinthians that we are renewed and we need to fix our eyes on achieveing eternal glory as we are here on earth. “For what is seen is temporary, but unseen is eternal.“
Self Control in definition is a development while working on ones self. It is considered to be an ability to control your emotions, desires through expression, ones behaviors in certain crisis situations. In psychology it is sometimes called self-regulation. Questions: Are you impulse driven? How do you react to other people and their expectations of you? Do you have a problem with sticking up for yourself? Do you feel overwhelmed easily?
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you control your reactions, and your symptoms. Your goals that can be attainable by having stable resources. You need to try and resist temptation until you can see that you don’t need to be part of what the world asks from you.
If you can develop self control it will show your loved ones that you can overcome unhealthy coping mechanisms and stop over-reacting by the help in asking God to direct you.
Exercise yourself. Get enough sleep. Maintaining self-discipline with choices you must make, socially maintain healthy boundaries and while eating nutritiously, working on tasks diligently.
Do seek God in all things!
In conclusion I would like to go to where Jesus is speaking to us!
Matthew 6:33 Jesus says But seek His Kingdom, the Kingdom of God first and all His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. In other words everything you need will be given to you. You will be provided for. Strive after the Lord. Seek His will. Do your best to maintain His commandments. Repent of sin, seek His character and His example. Put His works first. God has blessings for you in His Store House, fullness with His richness and glory!
amen