Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing – John 15:4-5 NIV

INTRODUCTION

The fruit of the Spirit, (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – Gal 5:22-23a)  is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s presence in our lives. We can’t obtain them without His help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to His, as we read in John 15:4-5.  We must know Him, love Him, remember Him and imitate Him. The Holy Spirit is the source of our new life, so let us keep in step with His leading. We should not let anything or anyone else determine our values and standards in any area of our life. Let us put on the character of Christ in all our endeavours. Each person’s life is a story. When we come to know Jesus personally, He becomes the main character in our life’s story. When He becomes the main character in our lives, our life then becomes part of the Best Story Ever Told.

What are these Character Traits:

1. Christ’s character of Meekness –Zechariah 9:9
2. Christ’s character of Holiness – Revelation 3:7
3. Christ’s character of being Just – John 5:30
4. Christ’s character of Obedience to God the Father – John 4:34
5. Christ’s character of Faithfulness – 1 Thessalonians 5:24
6. Christ’s character of Truth – John 1:14
7. Christ’s character of Self-denial – Matthew 8:20
8. Christ’s character of Zealousness – Luke 2:49
9. Christ’s character of being Sinless – 2 Corinthians 5:21
10. Christ’s character of Humility – Philippians 2:8  & Matt. 11:29
11. Christ’s character of Patience – Isaiah 53:7
12. Christ’s character of Righteousness – Hebrews 1:9
13. Christ’s character of Guilelessness – Isaiah 53:9
14. Christ’s character of Compassion – Isaiah 40:11
15. Christ’s character of Love – John 15:13
16. Christ’s character of being Altogether lovely – Song of Songs 5:16
17.  Christ’s character of Benevolence – Matthew 4:23-24
18.  Christ’s character of Resisting Temptation – Matthew 4:1-10
19. Christ’s character of being Longsuffering – 1 Timothy 1:16

20. Christ’s character of Goodness – Matthew 11:29

21. Christ’s character of being Spotless – 1 Peter 1:19

22. Christ’s character of being Harmless – Hebrews 7:26

23. Christ’s character of being Merciful – Hebrews 2:17

24. Christ’s character of being Innocent – Matthew 27:4

25.Christ’s character of being Forgiving – Luke 23:34

26.Christ’s character of Submissiveness – Luke 22:42

27.Christ’s character of Obedience to His parents – Luke 2:51

 Maybe you are looking for a ray of light for your life, a reason to live. There is a Person that can fill your life with love, hope, joy, and forgiveness. He wants to bring fulfillment to your life. He wants to have a personal relationship with you every day, His name is Jesus. May you be led by the Holy Spirit to receive Christ as your Lord and personal saviour and also rededicate your life according to John 1:12-13; Psalm 51 : 1 – 12

Thomas Toke Lynch’s (1818-71)hymn in Methodist Hymn Book 291 is a good rendition of our invitation to the Holy Spirit to take control in our lives.
      

  GRACIOUS Spirit, dwell with me!

  I myself would gracious be,

  And with words that help and heal

  Would Thy life in mine reveal,

And with actions bold and meek

Would for Christ my Saviour speak.

Truthful Spirit, dwell with me!

I myself would truthful be,

And with wisdom kind and clear

Let Thy life in mine appear,

And with actions brotherly

Speak my Lord’s sincerity.

Tender Spirit, dwell with me!

I myself would tender be:

Shut my heart up like a flower

 At temptation’s darksome hour; 

Open it when shines the sun,

And His love by fragrance own.

Mighty Spirit, dwell with me!

I myself would mighty be,

Mighty so as to prevail

Where unaided man must fall,

Ever by a mighty hope

Pressing on and bearing up.

Holy Spirit, dwell with me!

I myself would holy be;

 Separate from sin, I would

Choose and cherish all things good,

And, whatever I can be,

Give to Him who gave me Thee.

Stay Blessed! 

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Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org

By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author