What is good…and what is bad? In Christian circles there are plenty of disagreements about what are good actions and bad actions. Many times on the blog I’ve talked about many of these disagreements. What clothing styles can people wear to worship services? What beverages can people drink? What films, music, TV, books, magazines, canContinue reading “What to do when Christians disagree about what is good and what is bad – Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness, Part 2”
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You good? – Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness, Part 1
“You good?” Have you ever said that to someone? Maybe a person appears to be coughing or choking, and as they struggle to maintain composure, we say, “You good?” After they regain composure, they respond, “It’s all good.” Or maybe a person has a particularly emotional reaction to a situation, a reaction that we thinkContinue reading “You good? – Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness, Part 1”
Oh my goodness! – Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness, Preview
“Oh my goodness!!!” How many of you say that phrase? Usually we say “oh my goodness” when we feel surprised, disappointed or disgusted. Why, then, do we not just say “I am surprised,” or “I am disgusted”? Certainly there are times when we do say, “I am surprise” or “I am disgusted,” but my guessContinue reading “Oh my goodness! – Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness, Preview”
How to be kind even when you don’t want to be – Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness, Part 5
Kindness can get a bad rap. Some people who are extraordinarily kind can come across as fake. We tend to think that there is no way people can be that kind. We want people to be real. “I’m just keepin’ it real,” we say, as if it is always good to express ourselves however weContinue reading “How to be kind even when you don’t want to be – Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness, Part 5”
What to do when kindness doesn’t work – Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness, Part 4
This week we are studying kindness, so let’s go back to our definition of kindness. Kindness is “to provide something beneficial for someone as an act of kindness.”[1] My college, Lancaster Bible College, has an annual mission conference. During the years Michelle and I were students, the mid 1990s, one feature of the mission conferenceContinue reading “What to do when kindness doesn’t work – Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness, Part 4”
The antidote to unkindness – Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness, Part 2
In the previous post, I mentioned that unkindness has power. We humans can wield unkindness as a weapon to benefit us. And we often do. Yet, in the process of being unkind, we leave a trail a bodies. What is the antidote to unkindness? As we continue our study through the Fruit of the Spirit,Continue reading “The antidote to unkindness – Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness, Part 2”
The surprising efficacy of unkindness – Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness, Part 1
My wife recently shared a prayer request in a group text, and one person texted back, “No praying!” Then a few seconds later the person wrote, “This phone has been killing me lately with autocorrect…that was supposed to be ‘NOW praying’.” How many of you have had text messages auto-correct to something crazy? Something unsavory?Continue reading “The surprising efficacy of unkindness – Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness, Part 1”
Forgiveness as necessary for patience – Fruit of the Spirit: Patience, Part 5
As we walk in step with the Spirit, we will have the Spirit’s empowerment to live patiently. That means we will be patient with others. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Paul writes, “[W]e urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” Wait, Paul…everyone? What Paul isContinue reading “Forgiveness as necessary for patience – Fruit of the Spirit: Patience, Part 5”
Growing patience through thankfulness – Fruit of the Spirit: Patience, Part 4
In Colossians 1:11 Paul writes a prayer that includes an important teaching about how to become more patient. Paul prayed that the people would be “strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.” Now that’s interesting. Thankfulness andContinue reading “Growing patience through thankfulness – Fruit of the Spirit: Patience, Part 4”
How to grow patience – Fruit of the Spirit: Patience, Part 3
What does growing patience look like? In Proverbs 19:11 we read that “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” Patience is rooted in wisdom. Proverbs are illustrations of what is a wise course of action almost all the time. There will be exceptions to the rule whenContinue reading “How to grow patience – Fruit of the Spirit: Patience, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 