For your information, I have exams tomorrow. If you didn’t know, now you do.
So… Could you please keep me in your prayers? Thank you. :D
Now to the topic of the day.
Let’s make this short and sweet.
The Bible teaches us, in Galatians 5:22-23, what the Spirit of God produces in us. In other words, when the Spirit of God lives within you (which is what happens when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour), these are the qualities you’re expected to express. Jesus uses these expressions as the litmus test of followership – Matthew 7:15-20. St James reiterates that a mere profession of Faith is useless without Good Works (Fruit of the Spirit) to follow; James 2:14-26. Fascinatingly, these good works include almsgiving; and that was yesterday’s topic. :)
Today, I want to point out something very interesting in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is a school of language in itself. Many times, it is possible to just read through it and forget to pause and truly contemplate what you’ve just read. The words of Holy Scriptures are inspired by God, down to the very way the sentences are expressed.
From Galatians 5:22-23, the word there is “fruit”, the singular noun; not fruits. Subconsciously, that word may have been pluralized to you. Why is it important to see it in its singular form? Firstly, that’s the way it is written in the Bible, so it must have its full meaning in that form. Secondly, pluralizing it would mean that the qualities you are meant to possess are independent from one another, which would give you the liberty to express one and leave the other.
So… Could you please keep me in your prayers? Thank you. :D
Now to the topic of the day.
Let’s make this short and sweet.
The Bible teaches us, in Galatians 5:22-23, what the Spirit of God produces in us. In other words, when the Spirit of God lives within you (which is what happens when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour), these are the qualities you’re expected to express. Jesus uses these expressions as the litmus test of followership – Matthew 7:15-20. St James reiterates that a mere profession of Faith is useless without Good Works (Fruit of the Spirit) to follow; James 2:14-26. Fascinatingly, these good works include almsgiving; and that was yesterday’s topic. :)
Today, I want to point out something very interesting in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is a school of language in itself. Many times, it is possible to just read through it and forget to pause and truly contemplate what you’ve just read. The words of Holy Scriptures are inspired by God, down to the very way the sentences are expressed.
From Galatians 5:22-23, the word there is “fruit”, the singular noun; not fruits. Subconsciously, that word may have been pluralized to you. Why is it important to see it in its singular form? Firstly, that’s the way it is written in the Bible, so it must have its full meaning in that form. Secondly, pluralizing it would mean that the qualities you are meant to possess are independent from one another, which would give you the liberty to express one and leave the other.
In reality, however, rather than seeing it as a bunch of fruits, know that the Spirit of God gives you ONE FRUIT with many parts. This means that if you’re able to express one part, say patience, you also have all the other qualities. It is a fallacy, therefore, for a Christian to say, “I have love, but no self-control”, or for one to be gentle but not joyful. You have all you need to be all you can be. It’s your choice whether to express them or not.
Knowledge is power. Now, bear the fruit of the Spirit. :)
Again, please, do pray for my exams. Thank you.
Have a nice day. :)
Knowledge is power. Now, bear the fruit of the Spirit. :)
Again, please, do pray for my exams. Thank you.
Have a nice day. :)