“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

Temperance simply means self control.  Most often this word is used in relation to substance abuse. I remember as a child having a temperance band at school.  Once a week we would have talks on the evils of smoking and drinking.  But temperance involves much more than that:

• Workaholics are intemperate in work
• Overeaters are intemperate in the amount of food eaten
• There are some who are intemperate in their rest – either not enough sleep, or lazy and sleeping too much
• The list could get more detailed and go on and on.

The apostle Paul says in 1 Cor. 9:25 regarding athletes, “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

“Jesus rebuked intemperance, self-indulgence, and folly; yet he was social in his nature. He accepted invitations to dine with the learned and noble, as well as the poor and afflicted. On these occasions, his conversation was elevating and instructive, holding his hearers entranced. He gave no license to scenes of dissipation and revelry, yet innocent happiness was pleasing to him. A Jewish marriage was a solemn and impressive occasion, the pleasure and joy of which were not displeasing to the Son of Man. This miracle pointed directly toward breaking down the prejudices of the Jews. The disciples of Jesus learned a lesson of sympathy and humanity from it. His relatives were drawn to him with warm affection, and when he left for Capernaum, they accompanied him.” Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, pg. 109      

2 Peter 1:5-7 has been described as Peter’s ladder of sanctification / Christian perfection.  Verse 6 says we are to “add to knowledge temperance [self-control],” etc.  What is the end result of climbing each round of the ladder—faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance [self-control], perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love?  Peter answers that in verses 10 and 11.

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

The Spirit of Prophecy, in many places, tells us that Christ is our example in all things. Peter tells us the same thing in 1 Peter 2:21: “For to this you were called [suffering with patience, verse 20], because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” In following devotionals we will examine various way in which we should follow in His footsteps.

My dear Father, I pray today that with Your help I would be temperate in all things.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

Meekness does not mean mousy and timid.  There is a strength in meekness.  Strong’s Concordance defines meekness in this verse as “gentleness.”

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines meekness as, “Softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations. . . . humility; resignation; submission to the divine will, without murmuring or peevishness; opposed to pride, arrogance and refractoriness.”

Jesus is our example in “forbearance under injuries and provocations”—

Isaiah prophesied in Isa. 53:7 he opened not his mouth – Matt. 27:12-14 records the fulfillment of that prophecy when He stood before the tribunal.

Jesus certainly is our example in “submission to the divine will”—

• “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” John 5:30.
• “He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” John 8:29.
• “Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” Gal. 1:4

Just as Jesus did the will of His Father, so are we to do the Father’s will. Only those who do the will of the Father in Heaven will enter the kingdom. See Matt. 7:21

How important is meekness? Let’s see what other scriptures have to say—

• “Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility [meekness]. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zeph. 2:3
• “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;” Col. 3:12
• “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness [meekness].” 1 Tim 6:11
• “To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility [meekness] to all men.” Titus 3:2

“Meekness is a precious grace, willing to suffer silently, willing to endure trials. Meekness is patient and labors to be happy under all circumstances. Meekness is always thankful and makes its own songs of happiness, making melody in the heart of God. Meekness will suffer disappointment and wrong and will not retaliate.”  Testimonies, Vol. 3, pg. 335

“Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness.”  Christ’s Object Lessons, pg. 61 

My Father, My prayer is that of the Psalmist “I delight to do Your will.” I also pray for the precious grace of meekness today.  Give me strength through the storm. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

What is faith? Again we go to the dictionary to get a definition.  “Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth.

Certainly Jesus exhibited that kind of faith when He said “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34. David said in Psalm 40:8, “I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.”

Again Jesus said, “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak, And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 12:49-50.

You recall the story of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years.  She determined that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ garment she would be well.  When she did that and was healed, Jesus said to her, “Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith has made you well.” Matt. 9:22

I recall a time years ago when I was experiencing some anxiety and I prayed for the faith of this dear woman who only wanted to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.  I continued in prayer for quite awhile continuing to tell the Lord I was reaching out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment for healing.  I was persistent in my prayer until I felt a calmness come over me – healing in answer to my prayer of faith.

Matthew 9:27-30 records another story of faith. Two blind men came to Jesus asking to be healed. Jesus asked if they believed (had faith) He was able to do it. They gave an immediate affirmative.  Verse 29 says, “Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’”  The next verse goes on to say their eyes were opened.

Then there was the centurion whose beloved servant was sick unto death.  He had heard of Jesus and sent elders of the Jews to Jesus pleading for Him to come heal his servant. The Jews begged Jesus earnestly telling Him how much the centurion loves the Jewish nation and how he had financed the building of a synagogue.  Not far from the centurion’s house, he sent friends out to meet Jesus telling Him not to trouble Himself with coming to his house because he was not worthy for Jesus to enter his abode. He described how he was also a man of authority and when he commanded, it was done.  He had faith in the authority of Jesus.  Jesus’ response to this humble centurion was, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” Luke 7:9.  You can read the entire story in verses 1 through 10.

Luke 17:11-19 tells the story of the ten lepers who asked Jesus to heal them.  As you recall, only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus. Jesus said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

“We must cherish and cultivate the faith of which prophets and apostles have testified—the faith that lays hold on the promises of God and waits for deliverance in His appointed time and way. “ Prophets and Kings, pg. 387

My Father and My God, May I exercise the faith of Jesus today, believing His Word and relying on His promises.  In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.

 

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

“True goodness is accounted of Heaven as true greatness. The condition of the moral affections determines the worth of the man. A person may have property and intellect, and yet be valueless, because the glowing fire of goodness has never burned upon the altar of his heart.”  Testimonies, Vol.  2, pg. 305

What is goodness? Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines it as “the moral qualities which constitute Christian excellence; moral virtue; religion.” Then Gal. 5:22 is quoted.  The dictionary’s second and third definitions of goodness also define Jesus, “Kindness; benevolence; benignity of heart; but more generally, acts of kindness; charity; humanity exercised. Kindness; benevolence of nature; mercy.” Then Exod. 34:6 is quoted: “And the Lord passed by before him (Moses), and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”

The Psalmist recognized the goodness of God: “Oh, that men would give thank to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:8

Paul exhorts about the necessity of the goodness of God: “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Rom 2:4

“Goodness is the result of divine power transforming human nature. By believing in Christ, the fallen race he has redeemed may obtain that faith which works by love and purifies the soul from all defilement. Then Christlike attributes appear: for by beholding Christ men become changed into the same image from glory to glory, from character to character. Good fruit is produced. The character is fashioned after the divine similitude, and integrity, uprightness, and true benevolence are manifested toward the sinful race.”  My Life Today, pg. 54 

Jesus taught about goodness in the Sermon on the Mount: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matt. 5:44  Goodness is expressed in other forms also throughout the three chapters in Matthew (5-7) that records the “Sermon on the Mount” and we’ll look at just a small sample of them.

• Salt is good for seasoning and we are to be salt (Matt. 5:13)
• We are to the light of the world and to let our light shine (Matt. 5:14-16)
• Turn the other cheek rather than smiting back (Matt. 5:38, 39)
• Forgiveness (Matt. 6:14, 15)

Let us look again at the statement we read above from My Life Today:  “Goodness is the result of divine power transforming human nature.” Go back and reread the entire paragraph.  That is what the entire sermon of Jesus is portraying.

My Life Today goes on to say: “There is no limit to the good you may do. If you make the Word of God the rule of your life, and govern your actions by its precepts, making all your purposes and exertions in the fulfilling of your duty a blessing and not a curse to others, success will crown your efforts. You have placed yourself in connection with God; you have become a channel of light to others. You are honored by becoming co-laborers with Jesus; and no higher honor can you receive than the blessed benediction from the lips of the Saviour: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”  Ibid.   

I found several statements in the Spirit of Prophecy that talk about living and talking the goodness of God.  Let’s look at a few of them:

“The Christian is to publish the good news of salvation, and he is never to weary of the recital of God’s goodness.” {RH, February 12, 1895 par. 8}

“Suppose we give to the world a living example of the beauty there is in religion and Jesus Christ by the offerings we present to God, talking of His goodness, and telling of His power.”  {RC 285.2} 

“Talk faith, pure, sacred, holy faith. Bear no discouraging testimony, for this pleases the enemy. Talk of the goodness of God. Have we not enough at every step to praise him for?”  {UL 329.4} 

”Keep your eyes fixed on Christ. Study His life—a life filled with goodness, grace, and truth. Follow His example. Ask yourself, Am I, in purpose and character, like Christ. The contemplation of the Saviour will attract you more and more strongly to Him. It is the beholding of the love of Jesus that gives light and life to the soul. Study the excellence of the character of Christ. Remember that to Him has been given all power. This power is for you, if you will have it. As you become a humble, faithful witness for Christ, you will be able to say, ‘Thy gentleness hath made me great.’—Letter 257, 1903, pp. 8, 9. (To J. H. Kellogg, November 26, 1903.)”  {7MR 151.5} 

Dear Lord, Help me to practice the goodness of Jesus today, that I may reflect His character and be like Him. In His holy name I pray, Amen.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

How is Jesus our example in gentleness?  First let us define gentleness.

Strong’s Concordance says, “usefulness, that is, moral excellence.” Webster’s 1828 dictionary: “Softness of manners; mildness of temper; sweetness of disposition; meekness.”

“True gentleness is a gem of great value in the sight of God. A meek and quiet spirit will not be ever looking out for happiness for itself, but will seek for self-forgetfulness and find sweet content and true satisfaction in making others happy.”  Testimonies, Vol. 3, pg. 536 

“‘No man liveth unto himself.’ . . . If he is filled with the love of Christ, he will manifest courtesy, kindness, tender regard for the feelings of others, and will communicate to his associates, by his acts of love, a tender, grateful, happy feeling. It will be made manifest that he is living for Jesus, and daily learning lessons at his feet, receiving his light and his peace. He will be able to say to the Lord, ‘Thy gentleness hath made me great [Psalm 18:35].’”  Youth’s Instructor, June 22, 1893

The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.” 2 Tim 2:24 

How is Jesus our example in gentleness? I think of the time some mothers brought their children to Jesus to be blessed.  The disciples rebuked them, “But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘Let the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’” Luke 18:16

Jesus was in the home of Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary.  Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to every word. “Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’  And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:40-42

Martha’s brother Lazarus had died. You can read the entire account in the 11^th chapter of John. Jesus had been bidden to come heal him but Jesus delayed His coming and Lazarus died.  When He did arrive in Bethany Lazarus had been dead four days.  It was told to Martha that Jesus was arriving and she went out to meet Him. He assured her that He is the resurrection and the life. Shortening the story, they arrived at the tomb where Lazarus lay and Jesus commanded the stone be removed. 

“When the Lord is about to do a work, Satan moves upon someone to object. ‘Take ye away the stone,’ Christ said. As far as possible, prepare the way for My work. But Martha’s positive and ambitious nature asserted itself. She was unwilling that the decomposing body should be brought to view. The human heart is slow to understand Christ’s words, and Martha’s faith had not grasped the true meaning of His promise. 

“Christ reproved Martha, but His words were spoken with the utmost gentleness. ‘Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?’ Why should you doubt in regard to My power? Why reason in opposition to My requirements? You have My word. If you will believe, you shall see the glory of God. Natural impossibilities cannot prevent the work of the Omnipotent One. Skepticism and unbelief are not humility. Implicit belief in Christ’s word is true humility, true self-surrender.”  Desire of Ages, pg. 535

When Judas came to Gethsemane with a multitude to betray Jesus, one of the men with Jesus asked if they should smite with the sword. And then he “struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, ‘Permit even this.’ And He touched his ear and healed him.” Luke 22:50, 51

As Jesus stood before His accusers, wearing the robe of mockery and the crown of thorns, Desire of Ages, pg. 736 says, “The Saviour’s visage was not marred before His enemies. Every feature expressed gentleness and resignation and the tenderest pity for His cruel foes. In His manner there was no cowardly weakness, but the strength and dignity of long-suffering.”

“The Saviour went from house to house, healing the sick, comforting the mourners, soothing the afflicted, speaking peace to the disconsolate. He took the little children in His arms and blessed them, and spoke words of hope and comfort to the weary mothers. With unfailing tenderness and gentleness He met every form of human woe and affliction. Not for Himself but for others did He labor. He was the servant of all. It was His meat and drink to bring hope and strength to all with whom He came in contact. And as men and women listened to the truths that fell from His lips, so different from the traditions and dogmas taught by the rabbis, hope sprang up in their hearts. In His teaching there was an earnestness that sent His words home with convicting power.”  Acts of the Apostles, pg. 364

O my Father, May I manifest the tenderness and gentleness of Jesus today, is my prayer in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

What does longsuffering mean? According to Strong’s concordance it means forbearance, patience. According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary, “Bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; patient; not easily provoked.”

Moses asked God, “Please show me Your glory” (Ex. 33:18). When God made known to Moses His goodness, as recorded in Exod. 34:6, 7, longsuffering was third in the list of character traits of God. Then Paul lists it as one of the fruit of the Spirit as recorded above (Gal. 5:22).

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth,’ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;” 1 Peter 2:21-23.

Did you notice that 1 Peter 2:21 talks about an example Jesus left us?  Verses 22 & 23 tell us what that example is:  He committed no sin, He was not deceitful, when he was reviled He did not revile in return, etc.  Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:11, 12) that when we are reviled and persecuted we are to rejoice and be exceeding glad. As we discussed in a previous devotional, the prime example I think of when Jesus was reviled and did not revile in return was His last few days before His crucifixion—Gethsemane, trial and crucifixion.  But rather He prayed that His Father would forgive his executioners.

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Col. 3:12, 13

Here is another admonition for us to do as Jesus did—in the case, forgiveness.  You can read more about that in Matt. 6:14, 15.

Let’s look at a couple more scriptures that deal with our topic of the day—longsuffering.

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” 2 Tim 4:2

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet 3:9

Let me close with a couple paragraphs from My Life Today, pg. 52:

“Love is the law of Christ’s kingdom. The Lord calls upon every one to reach a high standard. The lives of His people are to reveal love, meekness, long-suffering. Long-suffering bears something, yea, many things, without seeking to be avenged by word or act. 

“’Long-suffering’” is patience with offence; long endurance. If you are long-suffering, you will not impart to others your supposed knowledge of your brother’s mistakes and errors. You will seek to help and save him, because he has been purchased with the blood of Christ. ‘Tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.’ ‘Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.’ To be long-suffering is not to be gloomy and sad, sour and hardhearted; it is to be exactly the opposite. 

My Father, Help me to practice longsuffering (patience) today as You have done for me—not willing that I should perish.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:27

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

How can we experience the peace that only Jesus can give?  We are told in Isa. 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts You.” Many years ago I remember going to bed feeling very troubled and praying as I am laying there, claiming this promise.  Like Jacob of old when he wrestled with the angel saying, “I will not let you go unless you bless me,” I continued to claim that promise saying I would not cease to pray until I felt that perfect peace.  It was probably 20 minutes I continued in prayer until I felt that perfect peace and was able to go to sleep.

Jesus spent many hours in prayer, sometimes whole nights in prayer.  Our prayer life is going to be the source of our peace.

“Abiding peace, true rest of spirit, has but one Source. It was of this that Christ spoke when He said, ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28. ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.’ John 14:27. This peace is not something that He gives apart from Himself. It is in Christ, and we can receive it only by receiving Him.”  Ministry of Healing, pg. 247 

“Shortly before His crucifixion Christ had bequeathed to His disciples a legacy of peace. ‘Peace I leave with you,’ He said, ‘My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ John 14:27. This peace is not the peace that comes through conformity to the world. Christ never purchased peace by compromise with evil. The peace that Christ left His disciples is internal rather than external and was ever to remain with His witnesses through strife and contention.”  Acts of the Apostles, pg. 84 

O My Father, grant me today the peace that only You can give. In the precious name of Him who said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.” I believe Your Word and thank You for granting me peace.  Amen.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

“Here is held out the very thing for which we are to labor: ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love.’ If we have the love of Christ in our souls it will be a natural consequence for us to have all the other graces—joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; and ‘against such there is no law.’ The law of God does not condemn and hold in bondage those who have these graces, because they are obeying the requirements of the law of God. They are law keepers, and . . . are not under the bondage of the law. . . .”  In Heavenly Places, pg. 244 

In our previous devotional we learned that we are to keep the commandments (law of God) just as Jesus kept His Father’s commandments (John 15:10). James 2:12 calls it “the law of liberty.”

“The Spirit that reveals, also works in him the fruits of righteousness. Christ is in him, ‘a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’ [John 4:14.] He is a branch of the True Vine, and bears rich clusters of fruit to the glory of God. What is the character of the fruit borne?—The fruit of the Spirit is “love,” not hatred; “joy,” not discontent and mourning; “peace,” not irritation, anxiety, and manufactured trials. It is “long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” [Galatians 5:22, 23.] Gospel Workers, pg. 287

Have you ever felt such joy and peace as only Jesus can give?  In Luke 6:23 Jesus said we are to rejoice and leap for joy, for our reward is in heaven.  I remember years ago when Elder Glen Coon was teaching the ABCs of Prayer.  We are to ask and believe and claim the promise even before the answer is realized.  That is submission to God’s will.  He taught regarding this text the act of literally rejoicing and leaping for joy even when you don’t feel joyful.  He said it would do wonders for you.  My father decided to try it one time and he said there was just something about taking God at His word and leaping for joy, that before his feet returned to the ground his despondency left him—he experienced real joy.

Jesus wants us to experience the joy of Christ.  He said in John 15:11 “Theses things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” He also told us to ask and we would receive and our joy be full (John 16:24). Jesus said there is also joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7). 

My Father, May I experience the same joy that is experienced in heaven over my repentance. Help me to practice the joy of Jesus today.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

I believe John 3:16 is the epitome of that love. “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.”

Rom 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

We cannot do justice to this subject in this short devotional, but we can still consider some other texts of scripture that reveal not only what Jesus taught regarding love, but His example of how he demonstrated that love.

Jesus was approached by one of the scribes who wanted to know which was the most important commandment of all. “Jesus answered him, ‘The first commandment is: ‘Hear, O Israel the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught some principles of keeping the law of God that were so practical but so foreign to what the scribes and Pharisees taught. How about loving our enemies? “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Luke 6:27 Jesus demonstrated that kind of love when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34

A few verses later in Luke 6 we read (verse35) “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”

“If you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15),” Jesus said. Expanding on that thought He continued, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:10
Jesus is our example in how to love and what will happen when we love.

My dear Father, I thank you for the example of Jesus’ life on this earth. May we keep your commandments and abide in your love today allowing us to love our enemies. If we don’t know how, please teach us. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.

“’When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.’ Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Christ’s Object Lessons, page 69.

In our previous devotional we learned that previous paragraph to the one quoted above talks about the fruit of the Spirit listed in Gal. 5:22, 23. So manifesting the fruit of the Spirit has something to do with reproducing the character of Christ in us. How do we do that?

John chapter 15 talks about Jesus being the vine and we the branches. In order for us to bear fruit we must be connected to the vine. John, quoting Jesus, calls it abiding in Him. I encourage you to study the first eleven verses of John 15.

“The life of the vine will be manifest in fragrant fruit on the branches. ‘He that abideth in Me,’ said Jesus, ‘and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.’ When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing. Desire of Ages, pg. 676

Verse 10 of John 15 says, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” So the character of Christ was to keep His Father’s commandments and abide in His love. You notice that the first part of the verse says we are to do the same.

In the next several devotionals we’ll discuss the various fruit of the Spirit and how Jesus manifested them, thus giving us an example how we are to manifest the fruit of the Spirit.

Father in Heaven, I pray that You would fill me with Your Holy Spirit today that I may manifest the fruit of Your Spirit—not one missing. In the holy name of Your Son Jesus, Amen.