A Fruit Of The Spirit

In the 5th chapter of his letter to the Galatians, Paul contrasts works of the flesh with the fruitage of the spirit. (Galatians, 5:19-23) Since long-suffering is one of Jehovah's attributes, this quality originates with him and is a fruit of his spirit. (Exodus 34:6, 7) Indeed, long-suffering is listed fourth in Paul's description of the fruitage of the spirit, along with "love, joy, peace,.... kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22, 23) Therefore, when God's servants manifest godly patience, or long-suffering, they do so under the influence of the holy spirit.

This does not mean, however, that Jehovah imposes his spirit upon a person. We must willingly yield to its influence. (2 Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 4:30)We allow the spirit to act in our lives by cultivating its fruits in all we do. After enumerating the works of the flesh and the fruitage of the spirit, Paul added: "If we are living by spirit, let us go one walking orderly also by spirit, Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap; Because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit." (Galatians 5:25; 6:7, 8)

If we are to be successful in cultivating long-suffering, we must also cultivate the
rest of the fruitage produced in Christians by holy spirit.

Next time: "Love Is Long-Suffering"