The fruit of the spirit must always be evident in the fivefold ministry. The fruit of the spirit according to Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) are Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. For a ministry to exhibit the fruit of the spirit John 15:14 says it can be done when the ministry remains in Jesus Christ and be in service to God, the church, and the community. (Mark 10:45 NIV) Abiding in Christ means choosing to live in him, work in his way, heed his word, and reflect his love. There are benefits that accrue when one abides by Christ. One enjoys peace and happiness, loneliness is gone, and there will be increased confidence because of the assurance of His word.
Romans 12:13-17 talks about conduct in the community, it says “share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality, bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, and live in harmony with one another. Not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low positions. Do not be conceited.
These are some of the scriptures of the 9 fruits of the spirit in NIV:
- Love
– John 13: 34-35
– Romans 12:9
– John 3:16
– Matthew 22:37
– Ephesians 3:18
- Joy
– Galatians 5:22-23
– James 1:2
– Proverbs 10:28
– Nehemiah 8:10
– Romans 15:13
- Forbearance
– Romans 3:25-26
– Romans 5:8
- Peace
– John 14:27
– 2nd Thessalonians 3:16
– John 16:13
– Numbers 6:24-26
– Philippians 4:6-9
- Generosity
– 2nd Corinthians 9:11
– Proverbs 11:25
– Psalm 112:5
– James 1:5
- Faithfulness
– Psalms 91:4
– Hebrews 11:1
– Isaiah 25:1
– Lamentation 3:22-23
– Proverbs 3:3-4
- Kindness
– Galatians 5:22-23
– Colossians 3:12
– Romans 11:22
– Romans 2:4
- Gentleness
– Philippians 4:5
– Colossians 3:12
- Self Control
– Proverbs 25:28
– Titus 1:8
– Titus 2:6
– 1st Peter 4:7
– 2nd Peter 1:5-6
Jesus Christ, exemplify these in his earthly ministry. I’ll expand on this in the next post. on May 15th. Thank you for reading.
