Pattern - Great Patience

As I was studying Galatians 5: 22 and 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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: attitude of uncomplaining

Who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 1 Peter 3:20

Longsuffering waited — waited patiently, great patience of God was waiting.

How long did God wait? According to Genesis 6:3 — And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” At least 120 years before flooding the earth. 

And I have trouble waiting weeks, days, or at times even minutes. When you consider the patience  the longsuffering that God did as he continued to watch the people He created sin against Him..... while providing an opportunity to be saved...... that is indeed longsuffering. 

And as I shared yesterday in my blog post, (Pattern) I am to pattern that same longsuffering. Something I need to work on for sure. 

Pattern

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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: attitude of uncomplaining

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 1 Timothy 1:16

That: a conjunction denoting purpose, definition or result

In: in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside (within)

Might show: to make fully evident, showing conspicuous proof which demonstrates something as undeniable;  demonstrate, prove, whether by arguments or by acts

Longsuffering: attitude of uncomplaining

Pattern: prototype, pattern placed before one to be held fast and copied, model, for imitation

From a compound of hupo and a derivative of tupos: Hupo:  "under authority" of someone working directly as a subordinate. Tupos: a model forged by repetition; based on reliable precedent for others to then follow—pattern.

Are going: of what is sure to happen: with an infinitive present

Believe: to intrust a thing to one

for: "motion into which" implying union to a particular purpose or result

Everlasting: life operates simultaneously outside of time, inside of time, and beyond time, eternal

Life: used emphatically of the absolute fullness of life

Pattern. 

I am to be a pattern so that others can see and undeniable proof that Jesus Christ is the only why to eternal life. 

Demonstrate making fully evident longsuffering as a pattern. 

A pattern of an attitude of uncomplaining. Pattern.

What does God prefer?

As I was studying Galatians 5:22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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)

Back to "Love". Love, what God prefers. 

As I started thinking about WHAT GOD PREFERS, I had to stop and really think about what I know about God, and what I know God's Word says. 

This love is not a feeling that changes with the seasons. God does not change. He is holy. He is just. He is righteous. What God prefers is not something that I can change because I want to justify my actions, attitude, or what I want in life. What God prefers, is based on God Himself. 

First and foremost, I need to make sure that I am setting the standard for my life based on "what God prefers".  That means, that I have to filter what the World tells me is ok, through God's Word. Looking at our Nation and what is "acceptable" in lifestyles, dress, conduct, music, actions, attitude, mind-sets — one can clearly see that we have left God out of our decision making. 

What God prefers is not a suggestion of conduct. No, what God prefers is the solid foundation on which our lives should be built. What God prefers is steadfast, unchangeable, and truth. 

What God prefers. What does God prefer? Here are two verses the immediately come to mind. 

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8  

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

What God prefers. That should impact every aspect of my heart, mind and soul. Am I choosing "what God prefers"? 

Power is Readily Available

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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)

After I finished studying Galatians 5:22-23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words. I don't think I ever noticed how often God tells us to live — the "Fruit of the Spirit". I think that God knew that we needed many reminders and explanations of how He wants to live our lives. 

Today, I'm studying 2 Peter 1:5-7. It starts with "for this very reason" — for this very purpose.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NKJV)

I've been thinking about the meaning of "for this very reason". It's not haphazard. There is a very specific purpose that we are — giving all diligence.

Giving all diligence: from speudo; "speed", with eagerness, earnestness.

But before we get to 2 Peter 1:5-7, we should stop and look back at the very specific reason we should quickly with earnestness proceed.

2 Peter 1:1-4

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

The two thoughts that stand out to me in these verses are: 1. I owe my live to Jesus Christ. I am his bondservant — because without Him, I would be left in my sin and separated from God. 2. God gives me the power and wisdom needed to live the life He asks me to live. I don't have to do it alone. 

Because of those two facts, for that very reason — and am to speedily with earnest, ADD........ 

Add: "bring deeply into," to carrying through with real personal involvement (energy). This strongly stresses the need of the believer's deep, personal involvement in the faith-life

Faith: Faith is only (exclusively) given to the redeemed. It is not a virtue that can be worked up by human effort.

Virtue: moral excellence, which is displayed to enrich life

Knowledge: moral wisdom, such as is seen in right living

Self-control: dominion mastery, proceeding out from within oneself, but not by oneself — only be accomplished by the power of the Lord.

Perseverance: steadfastness, constancy, endurance, the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

Godliness: reverence, respect, piety toward God

Brotherly kindness: the love which Christians cherish for each other as 'brethren'

Love: love which centers in moral preference;  typically refers to divine love = what God prefers

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/2_peter/1-5.htm

There is a theme that runs through the meaning of these words — moral. And that morality is not based on feelings, or what I perceive to be moral on any given day. No, these are all based on what God says is morality. 

And since they are each based upon the Holy and Upright God, God Almighty, there is no way I, as a sinner, could even begin to achieve or live out any of these characteristics — EXCEPT for the fact that God says that HE gives me the power and wisdom needed to do so! 

The focus for this particular study is "self-control". Before I can have dominion mastery, I just first make sure that I'm accepting God's faith, virtue, and knowledge. For those are the foundation necessary to having self-control. 

Dominion Mastery — can only be accomplished by the power of the Lord. And that power is readily available. The question is, am I willing to accept it? 

Walk Worthy

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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)

Gentleness: power with reserve

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV)

Walk: to regulate one's life, to conduct oneself

Worthy: suitable because recognized as fitting; having worth that "matches" actual value

Calling: used of God inviting all people to receive His gift of salvation – with all His blessings that go with it

Were called: invited

Lowliness: humility

Gentleness: meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness

Longsuffering: patience, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs; embraces steadfastness and staying-power; long-tempered (as compared to short-tempered)

Bearing with: "still bearing up," even after going through the needed sequence (course of action)

Love: which centers in moral preference

Endeavoring: to move speedily by showing full diligence (fully applying oneself)

Keep: properly, maintain, preserve

Unity: oneness, equivalent to unanimity, agreement

Bond: a bond (close union); a close (inner) identity which produces close harmony between members joined closely together

Peace: wholeness, harmony

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/ephesians/4-1.htm

Walk worthy. 

Those two words pack a powerful punch. 

Am I living my life that I am recognized as one who has accepted God's gift of salvation? There is no question as to how that is to look. We are told in Ephesians 4, and Galatians 5:22, 23. 

Today's focus is gentleness. A meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness. Just because I have the strength, power, I need to reign it in, and respond with reserve. Handle situations and people carefully. 

Walk worthy.

Character of Dependability — The "Ds"

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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: character of dependability

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:4-6 (NKJV)

Faithfulness is Directional

• hearing of your love and faith which you have toward
• Toward: motion towards to interface with; literally, moving toward a goal or destination

Faithfulness is Definite

• toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints
• It's not a random goal, rather it's specific — to the Lord Jesus and then the saints. 

Faithfulness is to be Dispersed

• sharing of your faith
• Sharing: something in which one has participation
• Faithfulness is active and because you have taken part in God's salvation, a natural progression is to share that faith with others. 

Character of Dependability. Faithfulness toward Christ, then followed toward the saints, all with the underlying understanding of what God did for me — His gift of salvation. 

Amazing Prayer

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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: beyond being good — doing good

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,  that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NKJV)

Pray: with a specific result in mind

Count you worthy: matching value to actual substance – i.e. worth as it corresponds to reality

Fulfill: to make complete in every particular; to render perfect

All: any and every, of every kind

Good pleasures: delight, pleasure, satisfaction: with the genitive of the thing that pleases

Goodness: uprightness of heart and life; beyond being good — doing good

Work:  the course of conduct which springs from faith

Power: "inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth"

Glorified: viewed in high, personal esteem, befitting great (intrinsic) worth

According to:  in consequence of, by virtue of

Grace: "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues"

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm

That is why [To that end; In this regard] we always pray for you, asking our God to ·help you live the kind of life he called you to live [make/consider you worthy of his calling]. We pray that with his power God will ·help you do the good things you want [ fulfill every desire for goodness] and ·perform the works that come from your [every work of] faith.  We pray all this so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ will ·have glory [be glorified] in you, and you ·will have glory in him [ in him]. That glory comes from the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (EXB)

What an amazing prayer. A prayer with a specific RESULT in mind. A prayer that one's faith be real, evident and truly lived. A prayer that I need to pray for myself and others. A prayer where the results are possible, because of God's goodness! 

Ultimate and Highest Example of Kindness

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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)

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared . . . Titus 3:4

Kindness: favorable attitude — that is serviceable

But—there is a contrast from Titus 3:1-3 to verse 4. 

The apostle takes the advantage of the above character of himself, and others in their former state, to set off and magnify the grace of God in their conversion; so contraries, as black and white, illustrate each other. John Gill's Exposition

The act of redeeming us was one of great kindness, or goodness. The plan of salvation was founded on love to man, and was the highest expression of that love. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

This is a very practical Epistle. See how closely Paul keeps to the doctrines of grace. He never teaches that we are to be saved by works; but, being saved by the grace of God alone, and being made heirs according to the hope of eternal life, we are then, out of gratitude to God, to abound in everything that is good, and holy, and kind, and after the mind of Christ. Spurgeon's Verse Expositions of the Bible

We have the ultimate and highest example of kindness in God Himself. For there is no way for us to earn or deserve salvation. It is only by His kindness and mercy that salvation is provided. We are to show that same kindness to others, and the only way to do that is through allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. 

The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . kindness. 

Favorable attitude — that is serviceable. Kindness is action. 

What Do the Facts Support?

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

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 — that is serviceable

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,  in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,  by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,  by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed;  as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 (NKJV)

Commend: referring to facts "lining up" with each other to support something

Ministers: servants, those through whom God carries on his administration on earth; the root of this word means: 'to kick up dust,' as one running an errand"

I am to be kicking up dust, as I am hurriedly and obediently sharing the love of God with others. The facts surrounding my life should be that of kindness. A favorable attitude — that is serviceable. I am not to be kind in only words, but in actions. 

Do the facts support that my attitude is put into action? Do I "do kindness"? 

My prayer is: That in all things the facts state that I am indeed actively doing what God wants — with an attitude of kindness. 

Have I Put On an Attitude of Uncomplaining (Longsuffering)

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

Longsuffering - attitude of uncomplaining

As I re-read Colossians this morning, I couldn't help but think of the two recent marches that took place in Washington D.C.: the "Women's March" and the "March for Life". 

In viewing photos, and hearing the videos of the speeches, there was a very clear difference in the Marches. Read the explanations of Colossians 3:12 below, and you decide which March displayed a Christlike attitude. 

As I read Colossians, I had to reflect on how do I clothe myself? Particularly, today as my focus in on longsuffering (attitude of uncomplaining) — what have I "put on"? 

This post was a from my Study of Colossians. (The Colossians Study begins here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2014/08/special-assignment.html)

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. Colossians 3:12 (AMP)

Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (VOICE)

There is an old saying, "Clothes make the man." That means that people will judge others by the clothes you wear. We all react differently when we see people wearing different types and styles of clothes. A business suit not only makes a man stand taller, but it also brings respect. Compared to the sloppy baggy saggy pants which display an attitude of carelessness and brings disrespect. 

Paul isn't talking about the physical clothes we wear. Rather, he is talking about our behavior. The way we act is often more important as the physical clothes we wear. 

Clothe yourselves with a holy way of life. How exactly to I clothe myself with a holy way of life? It begins with realizing WHO I am—a chosen one of God. That is the basis for the entire way of life. Secondly, as a Child of God, I am to behave like one. And lastly, it's not about "me", rather it is about reflecting Who God is. 

PUT ON

bowels of mercies: it denotes inward pity and compassion to distressed, the most tender regard to persons in misery, and such compassion as is free from all hypocrisy and deceit, and therefore is expressed by "bowels"; and what is very large, and reaches to multitudes of objects, and is displayed and exerted various ways, and therefore signified by "mercies". 

kindness: which is this inward, tender, unfeigned, and abundant mercy put into act and exercise; this is doing good to all men 

humbleness of mind: looking upon themselves as the chief of sinners, in esteeming others better than themselves; in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God; in doing works of mercy and righteousness without boasting of them, or depending on them; be ye clothed with humility 

meekness: which shows itself in not envying the gifts and graces, the usefulness and happiness of others, but rejoicing therein; in quietly submitting to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of This ornament of a meek and quiet, spirit is in the sight of God of great price. 

longsuffering: whereby a person patiently bears the evil words and actions of others, and is not easily provoked to wrath by them, but puts up with injuries, and sits down contented with the ill usage he meets with.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

A holy way of life is only possible when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Peace - How do I respond?

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

Peace - God's gift of wholeness

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18

And that which is sown in peace will produce a harvest of joys. Let others reap the fruits of contentions, and all the advantages they can propose to themselves by them but let us go on peaceably to sow the seeds of righteousness, and we may depend upon it our labour will not be lost. For light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart and the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary

My response to different situations, effects not only those around me, but the entire atmosphere itself. Responding with anger, frustration, and an unwillingness to listen, automatically creates tension, discord, and at times even chaos. 

Responding with peace (God's gift of wholeness) can dampen any simmering flames of hate, discord, and chaos. 

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Peace - God's gift of wholeness - is not something to just have. I am to live it out in my daily life. I am to respond to situations with peace. 

Over-spilling Joy

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words. 

This was from my Study of Colossians. 

"[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,Colossians 1:11 (AMP)

This verses continues to list of topics covered in their prayers. It's comforting to know that it is a fact that we each face troubles. But greater than the troubles is the strength and endurance that God gives... that comes with and produces joy. 

I like how verse 11 reads in The Message: "We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy."

Strength that endures the unendurable AND spills over into JOY. I wonder what would happen if I accepted God's strength to endure the unendurable.... and allow it to spill over with JOY! 

What a great prayer to pray for someone, knowing that it's possible!

God supplied-strength results in not just enduring and muddling through a situation, but rather enduring it being overwhelmed with joy!

And that God supplied-strength and over-spilling joy, begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Joy — Crammed Full!

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words. 

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

Joy: grace recognized

Jesus Christ, being God, knew exactly what was ahead for His disciples. He knew that He would be facing persecution and death. He knew that after His death and resurrection, His disciples would endure many hardships. God wanted to assure them (and us) that in the midst of it all — joy would remain!

How can joy remain in the mist of hardships? Because joy is not based on circumstances. Joy is grace recognized! Joy is a direct result of a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

This promise of the Saviour was abundantly fulfilled. The apostles with great frequency speak of the fulness of their joy - joy produced in just the manner promised by the Saviour - by the presence of the Holy Spirit. And it showed his great love, that he promised such joy; his infinite knowledge, that, in the midst of their many trials and persecutions, he knew that they would possess it; and the glorious power and loveliness of his gospel, that it could impart such joy amid so many tribulations. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

In October, I read this verse and wrote this: 

Notice the source of joy: Jesus Christ.

Notice the shift of joy: God's joy becomes my joy (My - your)

Notice the supply of joy: enough to fill and overflow; fullest possible; totally complete

God's joy — FULL joy! 

Full:  to make complete in every particular; to render perfect

I love the root word for "full",  "pleres" is means to make replete—literally to cram, fill up. I love the picture that creates. Joy is so FULL... it repeats and is CRAMMED full so that it's spilling out. It can't be "used up" as it continues to repeat... a never-ending, overflowing source of joy. 

Now, the question is....... am I dampening God's joy? Am I trying to put a lid on it and contain it? Or am I allowing God's joy to overflow in my life? 

Joy — grace recognized — repeating so that it's crammed full and overflowing, not to be contained. 

Love is Present ≠ Fear

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

There is: in the midst of, exist
No: objectively negates a statement, "ruling it out as fact"
Fear: panic flight, the causing of fear, terror
In: in the realm (sphere) of, as in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside (within)
Love: what God prefers
But: on the contrary
Perfect: brought to its end, finished; lacking nothing necessary to completeness
Casts: violent or intense, to throw — either with force, or without force yet with a purpose
Out: forth out, out of
Because: it is added to a speaker's words to show what ground he gives for his opinion
Involves: to have in itself or as a consequence
Torment: brings with it or has connected with it the thought of punishment
But: moreover
Been made perfect:  to complete (perfect), i. e. add what is yet lacking in order to render a thing full

Fear and love cannot abide in the same place at the same time. They are opposites. If love is present, then fear is non-exsistant. 

The Fruit of the Spirit is Love. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

What God prefers — perfect love — a love that is full and complete, rids one of fear. 

Love - what God prefers — Commands

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

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words. 

Love - what God prefers

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12

Commandment: reach the end, consummation – properly, "in the end," focusing on the end-result (objective) of a command

Another: each other. This is a reciprocal pronoun. Reciprocal is a mathematical expression or function so related to another that their product is one. 

As I have: according to;  properly, "in proportion, to the degree that" (J. Thayer); just as (in direct proportion), corresponding to fully (exactly). (HelpsBible.com)

You: singular, personal

The end result of God's love is that I will love those with whom I come in contact. I am to love each and every person — and not in a general sense, but love —as God prefers. 

How does God love me? 

His love is unconditional. God loved us as sinners. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

His love is everlasting. Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

His love is just. Psalm 33:5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

The Fruit of the Spirit should be evident in my life. God commands—and expects results — that I love all those around me — each and everyone. 

Love - what God prefers - is that I love others with the same love God has for me. 

The question is, am I doing that?

Galatians 5:22, 23

To read about each part, search for "Galatians 5:22, 23 (link below).

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/search/label/Galatians%205%3A22-23

Dominion Mastery

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)

Self-control: the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions (THAYER'S GREEK LEXICON); proceeding out from within oneself, but not by oneself; "dominion, mastery"

Self-control: the ability to exercise restraint or control over one's feelings, emotions, reactions, etc (Dictionary.com)

One who masters his desires and passions. Dominion Mastery! 

There are many things which I have "mastered". Some have taken years to learn, and some things, even though I think I've "mastered" them, I still have more learning to do. 

Dominion Mastery, made me think of Taekwondo. You start with a White belt, and after you have mastered certain things, you graduate to a Orange belt. You continue learning and mastering and finally you reach the Black belt. The Black belt represents maturity, you've taken control and learned all the knowledge of the previous belts — you have mastered the art. 

Self-control. Dominions mastery, masters desires and passions—feelings, emotions, and reactions. Since the ability to have self-control comes from "within oneself", that means that it starts with the right "heart-attitude". And that comes from embracing and living the other parts of the Fruit of the Spirit. 

• 1. what God prefers (love)
• 2. grace recognized (joy),
• 3. God's gift of wholeness (peace)
• 4. attitude of uncomplaining (longsuffering)
• 5. favorable attitude — that is serviceable (kindness)
• 6. beyond being good — doing good (goodness)
• 7. character of dependability (faithfulness) 
• 8. power with reserve (gentleness)
• 9. dominion mastery (self-control) 

Power with Reserve

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)

Gentleness: expresses power with reserve, gentle strength

Gentle, meek, mild refer to an absence of bad temper or belligerence. Gentle has reference especially to disposition and behavior, and often suggests a deliberate or voluntary kindness or forbearance in dealing with others. (www.dictionary.com/browse/gentleness?s=t) 

Power with reserve. I like that description. Gentleness doesn't mean we lie down and ignore the wrong in a situation. Rather, we show love and compassion in the midst of a difficult situation. 

Too often we approach situations with the POWER and forget the reserve. We go with full strength and forget the gentle. 

In order to have the right balance of power and reserve, it begins with what God prefers (love), grace recognized (joy), God's gift of wholeness (peace), and attitude of uncomplaining (longsuffering), kindness (favorable attitude — that is serviceable), goodness (beyond being good — doing good),  and faithfulness — character of dependability. 

Power with reserve. I wonder how different our world would be if we all exercised a bit of gentleness. I wonder how different my life would be if I showed more gentleness to those around me. 

Power with reserve. Gentle strength. Forbearance in dealing with others. 

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!