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. 

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? 

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! 

In Living Action

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

Tychicus will give you full information about my affairs; [he is] a much-loved brother and faithful ministering assistant and fellow servant [with us] in the Lord. Colossians 4:7 (AMP)

As I read this verse, I thought of the word, "trust." Paul knew of Tychicus' relationship with Christ, and how Tychicus conducted himself. Therefore, Paul knew he could trust Tychicus to deliver a message to the Colossians. 

Paul could trust Tychicus because he was FAITHFUL. In other words, Tychicus was a great example of Colossians 3—in living action. Tychicus "put on" all that Paul described. Tychicus relationships with others was godly. Paul could trust Tychicus because he proved himself to be dependable.

Ephesians 6:21

Tychicus, a beloved brother, and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things. Tychicus accompanied the apostle in his travels. Paul calls him "a beloved brother": he was a "brother", because he was a partaker of the same grace, was of the same family and household of God, and was a "beloved" one: he was beloved of God and Christ. Paul also styles Tychicus "faithful minister in the Lord"; he was a "minister" in things pertaining to the Lord. And a greater character Tychicus could not well have; and therefore it need not be doubted but that he would faithfully relate all things concerning the apostle, and what he said might be depended on as truth. 

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

Tychicus is Colossians 3 in living action. His relationship with Christ, was evident throughout his life. 

Is my live Colossians 3 in living action? Am I faithful first of all to Christ, and then to others? Am I dependable? 

My heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), if I want to be able to be Colossians 3 in living action.

Tried and True

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.

All His accomplishments are truth and justice; all His instructions are certain. Psalm 111:7 (VOICE)

In all he does he is faithful and just; all his commands are dependable. Psalm 111:7 (GNT)

·Everything he does is [The deeds of his hands are] ·good [faithful; true] and ·fair [just]; all his ·orders [precepts] ·can be trusted [are faithful/true/reliable]. Psalm 111:7 (EXB)

Dependable. I’m so thankful that God is dependable and that all His commands are dependable.

Reliable, responsible, always there, carrying the load, certain, constant, faithful, good as one's word, loyal, rocklike, secure, stable, staunch, steadfast, steady, sturdy, sure, to be counted on, tried, tried-and-true, true, trustworthy, trusty, unfailing. 

No matter how you say it... God is trustworthy. He Himself if trustworthy, and He only speaks truth. Tried-and true. 

Knowing that there is Someone you can always count on to keep their word, provides an assurance that is indisputable. God doesn’t say things to “make us feel good”. Nor does He say things because it’s what WE want to hear. Rather God only speaks truth. 

Often, we place are faith in people, then we are disappointed with they don’t follow through or when they don’t live up to our expectations. But although people have good intentions and don’t always mean to break their promises, people are not always dependable. 

Whereas, God keeps all His promises. He is truth, and can only speak truth. He is trustworthy. He can be counted on. He is steadfast. He is tried and true! 

To create a positive day, I only need to place my faith in God and His Word—for He is tried and true and so is His Word!