Protestantism

» paper_turtle - Goodness (another look, Pt 1)

But the harvest [fruit] of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fidelity, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law dealing with such things as these. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the lower nature with its passions and desires. If the Spirit is the source of our life, let the Spirit also direct our course. (Galatians 5:22-25)
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The fruit of the Spirit, then, refers to the ways that God's love is manifested in our lives. Our daily behavior very accurately reflects what we really believe and value. Therefore, the person who thoughts, words, and actions consistently demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit is guided by Spirit and inspired by God's love. We can trust what he says about God because his words are consistent with his actions.
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The results of the fruit of the Spirit is more fruit of the Spirit in others. The results are good. They do not harm anyone, in any way.
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Notice that Paul says "There is no law dealing with such things as these." In otherwords, outward rituals and observances will not lead to the sort of inner transformation required to yield a harvest of good fruit. This fruit is the result of what happens within the person, through faith, not through legalism, or even sheer logic.
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Paul concludes by encouraging his readers to be guided by God's goodness rather than the demands of their egoes.
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If then our common life in Christ yields anything to stir the heart, any loving consolation, any sharing of the Spirit, any warmth of affection or compassion, fill up my cup of happiness by thinking and feeling alike, with the same love for one another, the same turn of mind, and a common care for unity. There must be no room for rivalry and personal vanity among you, but you must humbly reckon others better than yourselves. Look to each other's interest and not merely to your own. Let your bearing towards one another arise out of your life in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:1-5)
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Christian goodness is manifested through the strength and harmony present within its community. Christians demonstrate goodness within their families and neighborhoods in a way which builds bonds of respect, peace, fairness, and compassion.
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As Christians we are called to be humble, to devote our minds and hearts to creating a place in which every person is free to learn and grow in mind, body, and Spirit. Christ presents himself to us in each person we encounter. And we manifest Christ to others when we respond with goodness.
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And once again, I would like to remind you of my requests:
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It would be nice, in discussing these ideas, if we could stick to *just* the ideas **as they are presented** (without reading things into them)--AND try to also practice goodness towards one another.
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This thread is not intended as a place for the debate of doctrinal points. It is not intended as a place to "defend the faith." I am hoping people will respond with *personal* thoughts--their *own* words, thoughts, feelings, not what they think they "ought" to say.
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Just so we're clear: "goodness" in the context of this thread means refraining from labeling, name-calling, finger-pointing, or impugning the character of another in any way.
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It seems to me what I have asked for is very simple. It seems to me honoring these simple requests should put no burden on anyone.
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I'm curious what would happen if we *all* strived to manifest the fruit of the spirit in our responses to one another here.
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peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle