Beloved, God desire we walk in the spirit, and not in the flesh. Though we of this world but we are not of this world. Being spiritual demands we bear goodly fruits. The Bible says by their fruits we shall know them. As a Christian who walks in the spirit, there are certain fruits you are suppose to exhibit.
They are LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, ,GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE:......" Galatians 5:22.
I will emphasize on Longsuffering and Temperance. This two is so important like others, however. But some Christians today lack them.
Most christians want a butter and bread christianity. When things look like they are getting though, you see them running hater skater looking for solutions elsewhere other than believing in God and remaining steadfast in faith.
The Biblical Meaning of LONGSUFFERING
long-suf'-er-ing ('erekh 'appayim; makrothumia):
The words 'erekh 'appayim, translated longsuffering, mean literally, long of nose (or breathing), and, as anger was indicated by rapid, violent breathing through the nostrils, long of anger, or slow to wrath. The adjective is applied to God Exodus 34: Nu 14:18 Ps 86:15 Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 103:8; 145:8; Proverbs 15:18; 16:32; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3);
it is associated with great kindness and plenteous in mercy. The substantive occurs in Jeremiah 15:15: Take me not away in thy longsuffering.
The word in the New Testament rendered longsuffering, makrothumia (once makrothumeo, "to be longsuffering"), which is the rendering of 'erekh 'appayim in the Septuagint, is literally, "long of mind or soul" (regarded as the seat of the emotions), opposed to shortness of mind or soul, irascibility, impatience, intolerance. It is attributed to God Romans 2:4; 9:22; 2 Peter 3:9, of His bearing long with sinners and slowness to execute judgment on them. It is, therefore, one of the fruits of the Spirit in man Galatians 5:22 which Christians are frequently exhorted to cherish and show one toward the other Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11; 3:12; it belongs, Paul says, to the love, without which all else is nothing
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary
Longsuffering:-
patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship
suffering for a long time without complaining
very patient during difficult times
This is showing patience in spite of troubles especially those caused by other people.
While
The Biblical Meaning of Temperance (Mt 11:29)
It means being able to master your own desires and passions – to not be puppeteered by your peers, by the world’s fads, or by your own desires and passions!
It is an INTERNAL restraint, as opposed to having to have an external restraint (i.e., JAIL, or chains, or infinite laws to regulate our actions). 1Cor 9:24-27
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary
Temperance:-
moderation in action, thought, or feeling : restraint
habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions
moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages
This is self control, self restraint or tolerance. As children of the most High God who is a spirit, we should walk in the spirit and bear fruits. I pray the grace to bear fruits of the spirit, come upon us in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Temperance is a Gift from God (2Tim 1:7)
Temperance is Something that must be Worked at (2Pet 1:5,6)
A good example of Temperance (Dan 1:8-16)
As you do the word of God, the world will have no option but to do your word in Jesus Name. Show love, joy, peace, and all other fruits today.
