The Pneuma Review » fruit https://pneumareview.com Journal of Ministry Resources and Theology for Pentecostal and Charismatic Ministries & Leaders Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:00:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 Demonstrations Can Have Good and Bad Fruit https://pneumareview.com/demonstrations-can-have-good-and-bad-fruit/ https://pneumareview.com/demonstrations-can-have-good-and-bad-fruit/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2020 19:59:37 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=16300 In this article appearing at PentecostalTheology.com, historian and theologian the Rev. Dr. William De Arteaga warns that mass demonstrations as the ones now carried on in the name of George Floyd can be double-edged swords. They can help bring needed reforms, as in the civil rights demonstrations of the 1960s, which brought about so much good. But extremism and a lack of wisdom can also cause collateral damage. He makes his argument by using the example of the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, protests that he says forced the premature withdrawal of the US Army from Vietnam and led directly to the Cambodian Genocide and the politically repressive regime of the united Vietnam.

De Arteaga suggests there are several dangers in the present demonstrations to produce some collateral damage, especially damage that would result if extremists got control of the demonstrations. He encourages Christians to pray specifically for good fruit to result from the demonstrations.

 

Quotations from the article:

Historically, the assertion that frustration leads necessarily to violence is nonsense. Such statements give the TV commentators or politicians who say that a feeling that he or she are making a worthy moral observation. In fact, in regimes where injustice and tyranny are highest but the police apparatus brutal and merciless, the public swallows its anger and suffers its injustices without comment.

It would have been spiritually beneficial for prominent clergy to say the simple, biblical thing, “Sin should not be met with counter-sin. Police brutality is a sin, but looting is evil and a sin also.”

The famous Russian dissident and prophet, Alexandr Solzhenitsyn, in his Harvard commencement address of 1978 noted that the abrupt end to the Vietnam War, forced by the anti-war movement, cost millions of lives. I and many of us who were in Vietnam agree. Had we stayed a bit longer, and continued to give the South Vietnamese Army our air support, we would have today in South Vietnam a democratic, economically vibrant and spiritually healthy county similar to South Korea.

Politics normally breeds exaggeration, and protest movements exaggerate the exaggerations. The TV reporters and pundits often use the phrase “endemic racism” about Americans. This is an exaggeration that is convenient to the protest organizers and politically Left groups, but this can be a sin of false or exaggerated judgment. … Also note how many Whites participate in the demonstrations. This alone should be cause to temper the accusations of “endemic racism.” Let us begin using the phrase “vestigial racism” to signify those who have not yet overcome their prejudices.

 

Protests on May 31, 2020 in Washington, D.C.
Image: Koshu Kunii

“A Charismatic Historian’s Response to the George Floyd Demonstrations”
Link to the blog: http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/a-charismatic-historians-response-to-the-george-floyd-demonstrations/

]]> https://pneumareview.com/demonstrations-can-have-good-and-bad-fruit/feed/ 0 The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control/ https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2018 12:21:19 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=14197

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Prov. 16:32, MEV).

 

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

Self-control, temperance, moderation, and self-restraint are all terms used to define the last of the fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

The word used in the Bible for self-control is intended to cover the whole range of human appetites, not only the physical, but the mental and spiritual as well. The power to be temperate in all things is an important Christian virtue, a mark of growth in grace. The necessary self-control cannot be attained by natural self-discipline. It is a fruit of the Spirit and is the result of His help and grace, and the outworking of His life in the believer. The possibilities are just as great for those with minimal personal strength of character as for those with strong wills of their own.

The demands for physical self-control are fairly obvious for most of us. However, often we overlook the need for mental self-control or temperance. For example, anger is a common form of intemperance of the soul: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Prov. 16:32, MEV). Sulking day after day is as intemperate as a violent outburst. Allowing the tongue to run away with us is intemperance, regardless of whether it is uncontrolled levity, gossip, criticism, or abuse of confidences. James gives the remedy by telling us to “bridle” our tongues (James 1:26, MEV). Inordinate love of praise is intemperate and shows a lack of self-control and an unwillingness to give glory to God. Such an attitude focuses on ourselves rather than on God.

The demands for physical self-control are fairly obvious for most of us. However, often we overlook the need for mental self-control or temperance.

The Greek word for temperance means to have inward strength. Our inward strength of will must become greater than all the outward strength of temptation, desire, excitement, or peer pressure. This is perfect self-control. Most of all, we must remember that a continuous walking with God will change the weakest of us into His image so that others will begin to see in us something of the self-control that marked the Son of God on earth. The inward strength is not ours—it is His.

If we wonder why our lives are in such a mess, we may need to be brought under the control of the Good God and follow His plan for us.

Self-control is not being a stoic. It is not being a stern, rigid, strong-willed cynic. It is not a case of “grin and bear it.” Self-control for a person of God is not severe self-discipline. Nothing we can do ourselves is enough to bring the self-control that is the fruit of the Spirit. Most of us can do some of this some of the time. There are days when we behave in exemplary and commendable ways. However, there are other days when we behave in less than commendable ways—in ways we wish we could later erase. These days when we do not behave in Godly ways are the days we are out of control, living our own strong-willed, wayward lives. Because of this inconsistency, we need the Holy Spirit in us to bring the control only He can give.

]]> https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control/feed/ 0 The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness/ https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2018 13:14:38 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=14158

“Now I, Paul, who am lowly in presence among you but bold toward you while absent, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:1, MEV).

 

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

Gentleness, one part of the fruit of the Spirit, needs a place in our everyday lives. Often translated humility or meekness, the word gentleness is preferred by more modern versions of the Bible because it has a more positive connotation than the other two words. Many think of the meek or humble person as weak and ineffective, even applying gentleness only to those who are weak and effeminate. But this concept is contrary to the gentleness and meekness we see in the Scriptures. Gentleness is not the result of weak backbone. It is really power under perfect control. No one is more gentle than God, yet He is almighty, omnipotent. His glory is so terrible that no one can gaze upon it and live. Yet we read that he pities His children. Every day we experience His gentleness. He tenderly cares for us, supplies our needs, and guides us through life.

The opposite of gentleness would be hardness of heart. We must not let hardness of heart creep into our attitudes. Unless we keep our spirits broken to keep in touch with God, hard hearts will separate us from God. When we see the greatness of God’s love, we break down and weep—we become tender. Looking at His greatness breaks all the hardness the world would want to put in us.

The opposite of gentleness would be hardness of heart.

Jesus gave us the Lord’s Supper because He knew that as long as we remembered Calvary, we would be gentle in spirit. It is impossible for us to remain spiritually gentle without the abiding presence of Christ within us.

Gentleness is not merely a sympathetic feeling. We may see a little baby and get a tender feeling toward it, but even unredeemed people do that. The gentleness that comes as a fruit of the Spirit comes through our relationship with the Lord Jesus. The love of God will make us humble, and, therefore, gentle. Humility is a disappearing Christian virtue. Many Christians want to go their own way; not many want to follow the difficult path of service. But it is the humble vessel, willing to follow, that God can use in any way He wants to. The Christian who is willing for God to have the glory is the one God can use. Christian humility or gentleness is impossible without God. It is contrary to human nature and the way we have learned to live. We like to have the upper hand, to be in charge. We like to say the last word, have people applaud us. The meek, humble person will work for the glory of God’s kingdom, even if it means being a fool for Christ’s sake. This attitude shows true humility. There will never be hard feelings where there is real Christian humility. A completely crucified self cannot be offended.

]]> https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness/feed/ 0 The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-faithfulness/ https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-faithfulness/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2018 19:40:04 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=14142

“These will wage war with the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those who are with Him are called and chosen and faithful.” (Rev. 17:14, MEV).

 

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

Martin Luther defined faith as “a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure that one would die a thousand times for it.” Faith as a fruit is clearly distinguished from the act of faith which brings initial salvation and the gift of faith which is a special operation of faith. The same God gives each. But there is growth to be achieved. The fruit must grow until faith permeates every aspect of the believer’s life.

Such synonyms as trust, faithfulness, conviction, integrity, and fidelity often translate the Greek word pistis or faith. Thus the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 is capable of a double meaning of faith and faithfulness, though the majority of 20th century translations prefer faithfulness or fidelity rather than the KJV’s rendition of faith. Growing out of the believer’s steadfast faith in God there is a dependability beyond the ordinary.

The man of faith is himself faithful because he is obedient.

Faith in God produces faithfulness toward God and man. The job of the Holy Spirit is to bring faith into the Spirit-filled life. The Christian full of the Spirit and faith is faithful. God is absolutely reliable and constant (James 1:17). The man of faith is himself faithful because he is obedient. Having faith in God involves keeping faith with God. True faith manifests dependability in doing the work of God, in fact in doing both temporal and spiritual tasks. Much of the success of the early church was due to the efforts of the saints of God who prayed, testified, visited, gave their means, and opened their homes. They were not faithful just to men, but they had real vision for the work of God. They were faithful in the commonplace things of life, the monotonous routine of the day. They were just as faithful when it was raining as when the sun was shining. The disciples and apostles found the place where God wanted them to be, and they stayed there and were faithful.

For example, consider Paul. God called him to be an apostle, to a life of hardship. He could have quit any time. He didn’t really need shipwreck, stripes, persecutions, hunger, thirst, imprisonment. He could have said, “This is too hard; I’ll just go back to the Sanhedrin.” But he stayed where God wanted him, and it was while he was in prison that we wrote the beautiful epistles that give God’s instructions for the early church and for our own spiritual growth.

]]> https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-faithfulness/feed/ 0 The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-goodness/ https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-goodness/#comments Tue, 13 Mar 2018 11:59:46 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=14072

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matt. 12:35, MEV).

 

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

This statement from Jesus shows the three stages of goodness: first, the man is essentially good; second, he has good stored up in his heart; and third, he brings out the good to share with others.

Goodness is both passive and active—a part of our natures and the good works we do. Paul tells us in the letter to Titus, “those who have believed in God might . . . maintain good works” (Titus. 3:8, MEV). Jesus tells all believers to live in such a way that men will “see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16, MEV).

Jesus is our example of goodness. Throughout His ministry on earth, we are told that He went about doing good. In addition, in the Old Testament we hear about the goodness of the Father God: “The Lord is good” (Nahum 1:7, MEV). The moral government of the universe is established on a throne of righteousness. We are told to “give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good” (Psa. 107:1, MEV). The underlying gospel of the fruit of the Spirit is that men can become like God by walking with Him through the indwelling Spirit of His Son.

Goodness is the power of God overcoming evil.

However, even though Jesus did good to those around Him, His antagonists often spoke of His good as evil. Their words seemed so unfair when His works were so good. However, this kind of response is natural because good and evil are mutually exclusive.

The selfless sharing required to help others goes beyond the money we may give. God will put His finger on our time, talents, interests, strength, energies, and capacities to enrich others’ lives.

The goodness of God and the evil of the enemy are irresistibly opposed. The unrelenting antagonism between the two explains the chaos that characterizes human history. Ultimately, of course, the goodness of God will prevail over evil. Love will overcome despair, and life will supplant death. Until that day comes, however, we must expect evil to try to counteract any goodness we attempt to put into this world. Goodness is the reality of God Himself coming to grips with the awfulness of sin. Goodness is the power of God overcoming evil.

Goodness is often the reward for those who can never be conspicuous for brilliant contributions to the ministry of God. For example, Dorcas was no prophetess like Deborah, but the fact of her being full of good works has been recorded for all to read about through the ages (Acts 9:36). In Barnabas this fruit of the Spirit appeared in such prominence and fullness that it is recorded of him that, “he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24, MEV). What a testimony. He didn’t need to be the well-known evangelist that Paul was, or the preacher that Peter was, for he walked close enough to God to show God’s own character.

]]> https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-goodness/feed/ 0 The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-kindness/ https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-kindness/#comments Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:02:28 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=14010

“Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Eph. 4:32, MEV)

 

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

The kindness that comes as a fruit of the Spirit is revealed in the life of Jesus in His darkest hour of trial. When Judas and the soldiers came to the garden to take Jesus, Peter used his sword to wound the ear of the servant of the High Priest. This man was an enemy of Jesus. But Jesus touched his ear and healed him. Most of us find it easy to be kind to our friends and loved ones, but Jesus was kind to His enemies. Think of Jesus at the table with Judas, knowing that Judas had betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. What might some of us have said to him? Something along the lines of “after all I’ve done for you …” But Jesus never uttered one word of reproach.

Kindness is usually associated with mercy. It is not possible to be kind without being merciful. And to be merciful is to be kind. It implies a deep concern for others.

Natural man sees kindness as protecting a weaker person from pain, pressure, and penalty. It often means overlooking the open sin or lawlessness of a fellow human being because it might be unkind to make an issue over something embarrassing. But this human tendency is not true kindness in the spiritual sense—it is simply human compassion.

God is kind, yet God allows man—Christian and non-Christian alike—to experience pain, penalty, and even death. But He shows His kindness during these sufferings even if He does not remove them. His greatest act of kindness was sending His Son so that we did not need to die as a consequence of our own sins. God shows “the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7, MEV).

God’s kindness is much different from what we often call kindness.

God’s kindness, then, is a concern for our spiritual welfare as well as a concern for our physical well-being. The greatest kindness we can show our fellowmen is to bring them an opportunity to meet with their Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kindness may cost a great deal. It is more than pretending concern for others; it is in fact getting involved with the personal sorrows and pains of other lives to the point where it may cost us serious inconvenience.

Paul uses the word chrestotes 10 times in his epistles, but only in Galatians 5:22—regarding the fruit of the Spirit—is it translated gentleness. All other nine times it is translated kindness (2 Cor. 6:6, Eph. 2:7, Col. 3:12, Titus 3:4) or goodness (Rom. 2:4 and 3 times in Rom. 11:22), or good (Rom. 3:12). Yet Paul clearly intended something other than goodness in in Gal. 5:22, for the very next word listed as a fruit is agathosune which in each of its four New Testament appearances is translated goodness. The most common occurrence of the translation of Paul’s use of chrestotes is kindness.

]]> https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-kindness/feed/ 0 The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-patience/ https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-patience/#comments Fri, 16 Feb 2018 23:24:17 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=13966

“Keep in mind that the patience of our Lord means salvation” (2 Peter 3:15, MEV).

 

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

The word patience, as it is used in the New Testament, really has no equivalent in the English language. Patience is the powerful capacity of selfless love to suffer long under adversity. It is the ability to bear with difficult people or adverse circumstances without breaking down. It allows people to remain steadfast under strain, not just standing still, but pressing on. Christ is our picture of patience as He endured adversity and the abuse of evil men for our salvation.

Patience or long-suffering is a characteristic of God, both in the New Testament and in the Old Testament. The purpose of divine long-suffering is our salvation: “Keep in mind that the patience of our Lord means salvation” (2 Peter 3:15, MEV). The most common Greek word used for patience is ‘hypomone,’ pointing to bearing up under suffering or despair. The second word used frequently, ‘makrothymia,’ suggests self-restraint in the face of unsatisfied desire. Since the two words are synonyms, they function much as synonyms function in English—when both words are used in the same passage, the idea is being emphasized.

One of the most difficult lessons for the maturing Christian is how to react to unjust treatment. Misunderstanding and mistreatment will follow the believer just as they followed Jesus on earth. So because we can count on not being treated rightly, the issue is how we will react when we are treated wrongly. God has promised to be the protector of individual Christians: “‘Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom. 12:19, MEV).

Misunderstanding and mistreatment will follow the believer just as they followed Jesus on earth. So because we can count on not being treated rightly, the issue is how we will react when we are treated wrongly.

Trouble affects people in one of two opposite ways: it can either make them bitter or make them tender. Job and Joseph are the two great examples of tribulation working patience—of men who became tender because they endured patiently. Joseph spent ten years in jail unjustly, yet he emerged free from bitterness. Some of us are willing to suffer for God, but we want to suffer for a short time—why do we have to suffer long? Suffering brings patience. Patience is not an instantaneous gift—it is developed over time and with suffering: “knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience” (Jam.1: 3, MEV).

Not all suffering is the kind of suffering to develop patience however. If the suffering comes as a result of our mistakes and faults, there is no fruit of the Spirit in it—it is simply the just consequences of our actions and choices. But if we do well and still suffer, then we can develop patience, the fruit of the Spirit: “But if when doing good and suffering for it, you patiently endure, this is favorable before God” (I Pet. 2: 20, MEV).

]]> https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-patience/feed/ 0 The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace/ https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace/#comments Sat, 10 Feb 2018 22:03:44 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=13933

“For He is our peace, who has made both groups one and has broken down the barrier of the dividing wall” (Eph. 2:14).

 

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

The word peace as used in the gospels and in Ephesians means to bind together those things that were separated. Jesus made peace through the blood of His cross (Col. 1:20), thus binding together the believing sinner and the holy God. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of peace in the life of that believer. This fruit is manifested in proportion to the believer’s yieldedness to the Spirit.

Isaiah told God, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3, MEV). The battleground is the mind—“To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6, MEV). The apostle Paul speaks to all of us when he tells the Colossians to “Let the peace of God, to which also you are called in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful” (Col. 3:15, MEV). And we are to remember that that peace comes from the Holy Spirit. Peace comes as we take everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7, MEV). The life of the believer shows proper growth and development when the power of the Holy Spirit enriches that growth in character.

All the virtues of the fruit of the Spirit are to be shared with others.

Since God is a God of peace (I Thess. 5:23) and His Son is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), it follows that this endowment enables the believer to partake in the peace which is a part of the divine nature.

The fruit of the Spirit is a manifestation of Christ’s nature in the life of the Christian by the Holy Spirit. The peace of natural man is very different from the scriptural definition of divine peace. In human concept, peace implies mental tranquility, absence of tension, or a settlement of disputes. Peace, the fruit of the Spirit, is the secure and confident repose of the soul in God himself. Believers have composure of spirit in all circumstances because they are divinely insulated by the Holy Spirit, not from trials, but from the anxiety of life.

Peace is manifested in proportion to the believer’s yieldedness to the Spirit.

Divine peace has two aspects. The believer has peace with God (Rom. 5:1). The believer also enjoys the peace of God (Rom. 15:13). We must have peace with God before we can have the peace of God. Both are the fruit of the Spirit. Peace with God is the calm assurance that Christ’s atonement for sin has reconciled us with God: we are His children. The peace of God is given to those who love His word: “Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing shall cause them to stumble” (Psa. 119:165, MEV). In a song of praise Isaiah says to God, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3, MEV). The Son of God did not make our peace and then retire. His abiding presence with us is the essence of divine peace. Paul prays, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way” (II Thess. 3:16, MEV). Peace, the fruit of the Spirit, is Christ’s gift to us. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27, MEV). After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19, MEV). These powerful words conveyed the Lord’s blessing upon the disciples; in fact, they brought divine peace to the troubled hearts of His followers.

]]> https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace/feed/ 0 The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy/ https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy/#comments Wed, 07 Feb 2018 16:22:01 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=13912

“I have spoken these things to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, MEV).

 

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

Loveless Christians are joyless Christians. But when self is drowned in the love of Christ, the result will be unspeakable joy. Faith in Christ implants joy in the believer’s heart. But joy is much more than the result of salvation. And it is much more than happiness. Happiness comes from an old English word hap. Hap, or happiness, is related to the word happened. Happiness, then, is produced by an outside event, by external causes, the product of circumstances or what has happened. Thus, it cannot be enduring. It changes with the circumstances.

Jesus said, “I have spoken these things to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, MEV). The implication of the verse is that joy is full and permanent—that it remains with the disciples. Jesus had joy that was not dependent on circumstances—He was filled with joy even as He prepared for the crucifixion.

The spiritual fruit of joy is the outcome of Christ’s abiding presence.

The word joy or some derivation of it is used more than 400 times in the Word of God (this does not include related words such as happy, blessed, or merry). An essential characteristic of the kingdom of God is “joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17, MEV). The Psalmist sang, “in thy presence is fullness of joy” (Psa. 16:11, KJV). Without doubt, joyfulness is an attribute of Divinity.

Joy as a fruit of the Spirit is a vital source of strength. It gives strength for ordinary tasks of life. It gives strength for the trials of life. It gives strength for what seems to be humiliating service. And joy can be a resource in overcoming temptation: James goes so far as to tell us to “count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience” (James 1:2-3, MEV). Joy can be as effective as medicine for rejuvenating the body and soul.

Divine joy should be distinguished from natural joy. Natural joy is cheerfulness or contentment or mirth. It usually is associated with the attainment of a desired goal, as satisfaction. But the joy which is a fruit of the Spirit has nothing to do with such external stimulation. Its source is the Spirit of Christ, a divine instillation of Christ’s presence within the believer through the agency of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 2:20).

This spiritual fruit is the outcome of Christ’s abiding presence. Christians experience divine joy in varying degrees from certain various types of inspiration. Joy accompanies our spiritual ministration to others. There is the inner delight we find in the fellowship of the Lord’s people. There is the blessed refreshment from our nourishment by the Word of God. Joy through the agency of the Spirit of Christ may take the form of spiritual gladness or it may overflow into divine ecstasy. We see an outpouring of divine joy in Mary’s inspired response after visiting Elizabeth: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47, MEV).

]]> https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy/feed/ 0 The Fruit of the Spirit: Love https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-love/ https://pneumareview.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-love/#comments Sun, 04 Feb 2018 17:49:01 +0000 http://pneumareview.com/?p=13902

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35, MEV).

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

Love is the first and greatest of the fruit of the Spirit. It is quite unscriptural to say, “I am seeking love, the greatest gift of all.” Instead of expecting the character of I Cor. 13 to be dropped suddenly and completely into the heart as a finished gift from God, we should see that it is the fruit or result of the working out of a divine principle within us. It is perfected by a life of close communion with the Lord, and in no other way.

Love is perfected by a life of close communion with the Lord, and in no other way.

Love is not emotion nor warm feelings nor tolerance. It is a deliberate act of the will, motivated by the welfare of the recipient, for true love must have an external object. John, the apostle of love, understood the active nature of love: “My little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth” (I John 3:18, MEV). The love which the Spirit produces in us as a fruit is the fruit of Christ’s love, and of His own life. It is not something different which He can give us as a gift, but something of His own Self which springs up in us because He is living within.

Paul uses the Greek word agape to express love as the fruit of the Spirit. This agape is basic to all the other fruit. This word in the New Testament usually expresses divine love in distinction to human love. This agape is the love that expresses the heart of Jesus’ great commandment: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27, MEV). In fact, Jesus made the exercise of this love a condition for eternal life (Luke 10:28). Someone has said the fruit of the Spirit is like an orange—it is singular but has various manifestations just as the one orange has several sections. If that is an accurate comparison, the whole fruit would be love and the sections would be joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Paul defines love with exact detail in I Cor. 13—the love of God Himself. This love is not an increase of natural love. It comes only as a result of spiritual life from above. Natural or human love flourishes in an atmosphere of friendship. It loves only when it is loved in return. But divine love produces love for enemies. Christ prayed, “Father forgive them.” Stephen prayed, “Lord do not lay this sin to their charge.” If we have love, the fruit of the Spirit, we will love one another even when we are treated unkindly and misunderstood. We will pray for one another instead of finding fault. If the divine life of the living God is in our spirits, we will love. However, we have the love of God only to the extent that we have God Himself. God does not dispense the fruit of the Spirit apart from Himself. We have the love of God only to the degree that God lives His life in and through us.

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