March

The Fruit of the Spirit

LOVE – Seeks the highest good of others

Love is not based on emotions or feelings. It is a decision to be committed to the well-being of others without any conditions of circumstances.

JOY  – Gladness not based on circumstances

Joy is more than happiness. It is not based on financial success, good health, or popularity. By believing in God, obeying His will, receiving His forgiveness, participating in fellowship with other believers, ministering to others, and sharing the Gospel, believers will experience joy.

PEACE  – Contentment, unity between people

Peace is a state of assurance, lack of fear, and sense of contentment. It is fellowship, harmony, and unity between individuals. Peace is freedom from worry, disturbance, and oppressive thoughts.

PATIENCE  – Slow to speak and slow to anger

Patience is a slowness in avenging wrongs. It is the quality of restraint that prevents believers from speaking or acting hastily in the face of disagreement, opposition, or persecution. Patience is bearing pain or problems without complaining.

KINDNESS  – Merciful, sweet, and tender

Kindness is an eagerness to put others at ease. It is a sweet and attractive temperament that shows friendly regard.

GOODNESS  – Generous and open hearted

Goodness is the selfless desire to be open hearted and generous to others above what they deserve.

FAITHFULNESS – Dependable, loyal, and full of trust

Faithfulness is firm devotion to God, loyalty to friends, and dependability to carry out responsibilities. Faith is the conviction that even now God is working and acting on one’s behalf.

GENTLENESS – Humble, calm, non-threatening

Gentleness is a humble non-threatening demeanor that derives from a position of strength and authority, and is useful in calming another’s image. Gentleness is not a quality that is weak and passive.

SELF-CONTROL – Behaving well

Sell-control is to restrain one’s emotions, actions, and desires, and to be in harmony with the will of God. Self-control is doing God’s will, not living for one’s self.