Introduction
Last week, here, we looked at
the idea of ‘freedom’, particularly ‘spiritual freedom’ … from the earlier
verses in Galatians chapter 5. This is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to
the various churches in the region of Galatia during the first century of the
Christian church. This particular chapter concludes with nine virtues that have
become known collectively as the ‘fruit of the Spirit’.
Whereas it’s possible to
exhibit these in a natural way, their potential is maximised through the
presence of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is that part of God that
continues to bring the life of Jesus to this world. Good fruit demonstrates a
healthy tree – good character demonstrates a healthy life. This is a simple
metaphor. A good quality tree producing good tasting fruit, has likely been
well watered and maintained appropriately.
Fruit of the Spirit as
Community Values
We could equally see these
nine listed attributes as good community values. We might easily agree that
communities are better places when these attitudes are present. Certainly
churches are better when we experience these character traits, as opposed to
far more negative alternatives. We, in the church, need to keep clearly
focussed on these areas. When it comes to sporting clubs, a fierce
competitiveness on the field, or on the court, might mean we put a high
priority on playing aggressively (within the rules) to gain a victory over
another team. Yet, when we think about the club itself internally … as a group
of people engaging socially with one another, these (listed) values would
definitely seem to be appropriate. They sort of speak for themselves!
They are obviously broadly
beneficial in all our social relationships!! So, whether in church, club, or
community, let’s think of our impact on others. These words give practical
application to the idea of loving ones’ neighbour. For all these words are
relational words – they describe how we interact with others. And, they are
good reminders, because we can so easily break relationship, by preferring our
own agenda to the detriment of others, or by being selfish. For example, on the
negative side, as described in verse 26, there are relationship breakers like
conceit or arrogance, or pushing others down so we look better. We can compete
for our position in the team or at work, but only through our own capacities
and talents, not through putting others down.
Sometimes we feel we need to
push ourselves up … because others look just so darn good – that’s called
“envy”. But, each of us is unique, born with particular talents, potential and
value, destined to be a great team contributor. Yet, sometimes we are so busy
looking around at what others are doing, we miss our own opportunities (or our
own moment to shine). We shouldn’t need to compare ourselves with
others. We shouldn’t want to be like them – rather we should strive to be the
best version of ourselves. We should discover for ourselves what we are good
at, and pursue that. You may just find it there … within yourselves … to be the
best you can be, and that’s how you best help the team!
For Christians, they normally
take their lead from Jesus, who showed himself to be the best team player of
all, especially when it came to taking one for the team – Jesus was the epitome
of self-sacrifice. Jesus is the only one worth comparing ourselves to. And when
we fall short of his greatness, we can access his forgiveness. Christians also
rely on the Holy Spirit to help them nurture and develop the qualities that are
listed here, especially when certain life challenges around illness, trauma and
loss, make things more difficult. For all of us, this list challenges how we do
life, and how we live in our environment!
Nine Worthy Character
Traits
Love – we were created in
love, and for love; this is where we acknowledge that we are part of a broad
and diverse human community, where we need to be prepared to treat others as we
would like to be treated ourselves, and where we are prepared to forgive people
when they do wrong by us … for the sake of their future, and our future.
Many of the ‘ideals’ to
follow, flesh out what it means to live in love. For example,
Peace – this is to avoid
hostility, this is to keep the lines of communication open with all our friends
and those we associate with. Where relationships have already broken down, the
bearer of peace will seek and aid reconciliation wherever possible. Good character
is seen in the one who is the peace-maker … bringing harmony in the home and in
the neighbourhood.
Patience – this is required
when other people don’t learn, improve, perform or behave the way we think they
should. Yet, we are all works in progress. We all have pressing issues in our
life. We all have certain weaknesses. We have different personalities and
backgrounds. Sometimes we are more patient with ourselves, than we are willing
to be with others. Sometimes we see our own faults in others, and overstep in
our judgment or criticism of them. We need to consider what others might be
going through, and offer them due consideration – this is patience. It could
be, utilising some empathy, that we can come alongside them, and give them a
hand.
Kindness – this is stepping
outside the normal, to do something special for somebody – going the extra mile
to make someone’s day. This is the act of the ‘Good Samaritan’, who crosses the
road to help the one that other people were ignoring.
Generosity – this is digging
deeper, and giving away something of ourselves, that will mean a lot to someone
else – it may even change their life. There is here an understanding of the
neglect that some other people live in, or the tragedies of life that can so
easily mean impoverishment. Generosity means a sharing of our lives and our
various resources. Rather than being protective of what we have, we share it.
This includes the networks and friendships that we have found helpful
ourselves. Sometimes the most generous thing we can give … is a word of
encouragement – this comes from our best place.
Faithfulness – this is about
loyalty, reliability and honesty – being trustworthy and faithful to whoever we
have committed ourselves to … in relationships, family, church, community,
workplace and club; this is about being responsible and seeing through our
commitments – if we say we’re going to do something, and the reason for doing
so remains right, then we should fulfil this commitment. We no longer allow
ourselves to be self-indulgent, but rather seek to consider the feelings of the
others around us. In a society where people tend to decide, at any given
moment, what suits them best … this idea of “faithfulness” may be the hardest
one on the list; but one our society certainly needs to see more of!
Gentleness – this is NOT
about being soft (far from it) – it is actually one of the greatest qualities
of all … ‘controlled strength’ – to be able to express our strength of mind and
heart in the most helpful of ways … in the course of all our dealings with
others. This is about summoning all we have learnt in life’s journey, and
expressing this to another in a way that they can learn and grow. We could call
this ‘humility’. Gentleness overrides the critical spirit! We don’t hold
power and control over anyone, but rather empower others … releasing them to be
the best they can be. And we become teachable (and coachable) ourselves, having
an ear open to that word of truth that might be hard to hear – for there is
always something new we can learn and apply.
Self-control – this is to
reject the notion of ‘anything goes’. Here we focus on doing those things that
work well and work for good (for us and others), at the same time as avoiding
those things that generally cause harm. This is the discipline of not
letting anything awkward or dark or dangerous, that is happening inside of us,
to affect badly anyone else. Exercising self-control means that we won’t abuse
anyone else in any way! When anger builds within us, this can be a struggle; but
we know well in this day and age, that rather than striking out, we need to
exercise restraint, and we need to find someone to talk to [like a sports
chaplain for instance, or a good pastor]. We often need to gain some new
perspective, and we often need to gain some helpful tools through which to
handle certain situations better.
And then, coming back to,
Joy – this is more than just
occasional bouts of happiness – this is a completely positive attitude to life
that is able to endure hardships, seeing the deeper meanings in life’s
experiences, where there is a genuine pleasure in the success of others, and
where we can openly celebrate with those who are celebrating. The possibility
of joy will be destroyed … if we keep comparing what we have … with what others
have. I know this every time I see that great looking Winnebago or motorhome driving
past me! Joy is produced when we can be content with our lot, and can be
pleased for others in what they have.
Conclusion
Life offers us the
opportunity to rise to the best levels of human character. We can settle for
less, which may unfortunately mean we have a tendency to hurt and hinder, more
than help and encourage. But at the same time, we shouldn’t get down on
ourselves too much, for we are all works in progress. Hopefully whatever team
you’re in, that team can help you be the person you have the potential to be!
And may God bless you all in your endeavours! Amen!
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