“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

“Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”

Matthew 7:17-18

The Root of Fruit

• Good fruit comes from God’s character.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The Root of Fruit

• Good fruit comes from God’s character.

• God is slow to anger, abounding in love.

Exodus 34:5-7

“Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin . . .”

Exodus 34:5-7

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.”

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

“Love is patient, love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4

.

The Root of Fruit

• Good fruit comes from God’s character.

• God is slow to anger, abounding in love.

• God’s kindness is covenant love.

Psalm 51:1

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;according to your great compassion

blot out my transgressions.

Psalm 100:5

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 136:1-3

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Patience: Based on Love

• People are under construction.

Psalm 103:7-14

He made known his ways to Moses,his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,slow to anger, abounding in love. . .

13 As a father has compassion on his children,so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,he remembers that we are dust.

Patience: Based on Love

• People are under construction.

• Patience isn’t just passive.

1 Timothy 1:15-16

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”

Patience: Based on Love

• People are under construction.

• Patience isn’t just passive.

• Is a gift and an obligation.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.”

Kindness: Valuing Relationship

• Meeting the needs of others.

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Kindness: Valuing Relationship

• Meeting the needs of others.

• Showing mercy to others.

• An attitude, action, and commitment.

patience

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2

patience