Character of Dependability

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Faithfulness: the character of one who can be relied on; strict observance of promises, duties; fidelity, trustworthiness, dependability

One who can be relied on — dependable. If you say you are going to do something, you do it. No excuses.  Reliable.  Can be trusted.

The character of one — that's the basis for faithfulness. What is your character? 

In our society today, lying has become the acceptable norm. There seems to be no consequence for lying. Even if our society doesn't hold one accountable for lying — God does!  

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue. Proverbs 6:16, 17a

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. Proverbs 12:22

Faithfulness — character of dependability. 

Do you do what you say? Can you be trusted? Are you faithful in your words, actions, and attitude? 

Beyond Being — Doing Good!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Goodness: uprightness of heart and life, moral excellence (virtue), beneficence

Goodness goes beyond just being "good" or moral. It means that moral excellences translates into dong — beneficence, charity, making a contribution. 

Notice the progression: what God prefers (love), grace recognized (joy), God's gift of wholeness (peace), and attitude of uncomplaining (longsuffering) is the foundation for our actions kindness (favorable attitude — that is serviceable) and now goodness (beyond being good — doing good).

Goodness, moral excellence that goes beyond just being — and translates into doing!

Jesus Christ is better ..... than the angels

I love this definition of the word, better: 

– what is better because more fully developed, i.e. in reaching the needed dominion (mastery, dominance); "better" after exerting the power needed to "plant down God's flag of victory." (HelpsBible.com)

This word "better" is used in Hebrews 1:4 describing how Jesus Christ is better than the angels. Jesus Christ is better because of what He did and because of who He is (His inheritance). 

Jesus Christ is better! He is better because of His qualifications! Look at His resume...... who He is and all that He did! 

Looking forward to this morning's message from Hebrews 1, Jesus Christ is better - than the angels.

You can listen to Pastor Osborne's Sermons online at:

www.faithbaptistwh.org (The Sermons are listed under the Media tab.)

Attitude Translates Into Action

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Kindness: favorable attitude, usefulness, i.e. morally, excellence (in character or demeanor); kindness that is also serviceable

Favorable attitude — that is serviceable! 

When I looked up "serviceable" the thesaurus, I found the following words: dependable, beneficial, invaluable, practical, usable.

Kindness isn't about just being polite. Rather it has the idea of having an attitude that translates into action. 

How often do we DO "kindness"? Kindness is to be beneficial, invaluable, PRACTICAL, and usable. But first must begin with an attitude — morally excellent attitude. 

Attitude: manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind. (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/attitude)

If I want to produce kindness, I must work on my attitude for that will determine my actions. A good place to begin with an attitude adjustment is right in Galatians 5:22. 

Is my attitude what God prefers (love)? Does my attitude reflect grace recognized (joy)?  Is my attitude based on God's gift of wholeness (peace). Is my attitude one of uncomplaining (longsuffering)?

Kindness — attitude translates into action! 

Uncomplaining

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Longsuffering: patience, forbearance, longanimity, slowness in avenging wrongs

Patience: the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.

an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance whenconfronted with delay. (http://www.dictionary.com)

When I looked up the word in the thesaurus, the synonym that stood out  to me was, "uncomplaining".

It's easy to complain! We are quick to express to everyone the wrong that has been done to us! And the more we focus on that wrong the angrier we become. Then we want vengeance! 

If we change our mindset to one of "uncomplaining", to one of patience, one of "slowness in avenging" — then we will be able to show what God prefers (love) experience grace recognized (joy), and accept God's gift of wholeness (peace). 

Uncomplaining. Longsuffering.