RUSSELL AND HELEN SANDERS

MAY 6-2023

Have you been severely tested lately? Has the fruit of the Spirit been tested? As we look at the fruit, we can know if there is a test by what is opposite of what each fruit is and does. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit.

Love - The opposite would be to hate. 1 Corinthians talks about love and what it is supposed to be in our lives. No one can understand real love unless they know the love of Jesus Christ that transcends all natural love.

Joy. The opposite of joy is sorrow. But the joy this speaks of is the joy of the Lord. It allows us to be joyful even when sorrowful situations arise.

Peace. The opposite of peace is war. Yet, we think of peace in our terms instead of God's terms. God's peace passes all that we can understand. It transcends the intellect. It comes when we can't take another step to end conflict. Jesus is our Prince of Peace.

Longsuffering. The opposite would be to be offended. Offenses are higher than they have ever been in the body of Christ. Jesus tells us not to offend anyone or be offended.

Gentleness. The opposite would to be harsh. Proverbs tells us that a soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous (unkind) words stir up anger.

Goodness. The opposite would be evil. We should not even give the appearance of evil.

Faith. The opposite of faith is fear. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind.

Meekness. Most people think of meekness as weakness, but meekness is submissive, especially submissive to God. So, the opposite would be doing whatever you want without thinking of others. That is not a good quality to have.

Temperance. The opposite of temperance would be to be out of control. Temperance only happens when we allow Holy Spirit to control us.He does not force us, but gently nudges us to do right. When we lose our temper we are walking in the flesh and not the Spirit.

When we walk in the fruit of the Spirit instead of the flesh, we are told in Galatians 5:22 that there is no law or case against us.

How is your walk? Do you fail? I have, and I do. The results are always sin. The way to take care of this is to repent and determine that you will put to death the flesh daily (not literally, figuratively) so that you defeat the fruit of the flesh.

God bless you,

Russell and Helen Sanders

SPIRIT OF LIFE INTERNATIONAL