The Fruitful Christian's Attitude

Godly attitudes in all circumstances of life is imperative to bearing fruit.    So, what are godly attitudes?    Galations 5 shows us.

Galations 5:22-24

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 

These godly attitudes should characterize all who are in Christ.   And not only should they be present in the good times (that's easy), but they should be present in the bad times as well.    

The John McArthur study Bible offers helpful insights:  

Love:   "agape, is the love of choice, referring not to an emotional affection, physical attraction, or a familial bond, but to respect, devotion, and affection that leads to willing self-sacrificial service".  (Jn 15:13; Ro 5:8; I Jn 3:16,17)

Joy:  "A happiness based on God's unchanging promises.   It is the sense of well being experienced by one who knows all is well between himself and the Lord (I Pe 1:8).   Joy is not the result of favorable circumstances, and even occurs when those circumstances are the most painful and severe.  (Ro 14:17; Php 4:4)

Peace:  "The inner calm that results from confidence in one's saving relationship with Christ.   The verb form denotes binding together and is reflected in the expression "having it all together."   Like joy, peace is not related to one's circumstances (Jn 14:27; Ro 8:28; Php 4:6, 7, 9)."

Patience:   The ability to endure injuries inflicted by others and the willingness to accept irritating or painful situations (Eph 4:2; Col 3:12; I Ti 1:15, 16).

Kindness:  Tender concern for others, reflected in a desire to treat others gently, just as the Lord treats all believers (Mat 11:28,29; 19:13,14; 2 Ti 2:24).

Goodness:  Moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness (Ro 5:7).  Believers are commanded to ex-emplify goodness (6:10; 2 Th 1:11) .  

Faithfulness.   Loyalty and trustworthiness (La 3:22; Php 2:7-8; I Th 5:24; Rev 2:10)

Gentleness:  Better translated "meekness."  It is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offense while having no desire for revenge or retribution.  In the NT, it is used to describe 3 attitudes:   submission to the will of God (Col3:12), teachability (Jas 1:21), and consideration of others (Eph 4:2).

Self-Control:  This refers to restraining passions and appetites (I Cor 9:25; 2 Pe 1:5,6).

Please meditate on these scriptures, and ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit so that these attitudes are ever increasing in your hearts and lives.