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NASB | Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, |
Subject: Fruit vs. Works: the same or different? |
Bible Note: AO, I'm sorry. I'm afraid I don't know what it is other people believe about the fruit mentioned in John 15:5. I only know what I believe based on my understanding so far. Before I say what that is though, I would like to explain that I have posted as I've tried to reason this out. This means that everyone that reads my posts will be seeing the process I've gone through to arrive at the point where I am right now. (It also means that perhaps I should work it all out before posting) With that said, here goes: I wouldn't say they (fruit) are "righteous attributes" in and of themselves. I think it has more to do with how those attributes affect how we interact with others. The fruit (attributes) on a branch (me) may look lovely but they serve no real purpose until they are plucked and eaten (i.e., put to use in my relationship with others). In fact, how can attributes even be visible unless they are exhibited in my interaction with others? If I am patient in dealing with others, if I am loving and kind, if I exhibit peace and joy, if I put others before myself, I am being Christ-like. I, as the branch, am an extension of the vine, Christ. I cannot produce this "fruit" within myself. I am dependant upon Him to produce it in me. The fruit He produces in me is an extension of His relationship with me and mine with Him. I believe that somehow this is all tied together with John 15:10. Jesus abides in the Father's love for Him. We abide in Jesus' love for us. As the Father loves the Son and the Son loves us, we are to "love one another" (John 15:12). On our own, we are unable. With His life flowing through us (as the vine) we are able (we exhibit His fruit-- His life within us). This has become much longer than I anticipated when I started. Because of the lateness of the hour I am going to try to sum up what I am trying to say (so far). Any "fruit" within our lives has to come from God. He produces it within us. The same with "works". I believe our works are directly related to our relationship with Him. These things come from Him and therefor, bring glory to Him. They are simply the evidence of His working in us. So whether fruit or works or any good thing...they are all His handiwork so that it is He who is glorified and not we. What is your opinion regarding your question? In Him, Karen |