Fruit of the Spirit: Long-Suffering, Kindness and Goodness

Three Gifts focused toward others – Long-Suffering, Goodness, and Kindness

Longsuffering 

• Exercising the power of restraint even when you have the power to exercise revenge
• Endurance and forbearance to people and things

Long-suffering is Necessary for Spiritual Unity

Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV) – I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Many times we think that because we are in The Church, that everyone should be angels, and that exercising long-suffering is only for those outside of the church.  But the truth is we are flawed, and so at times, there will be friction between the saints.  

“Church people are people; and people mess up.” – Dr. D’Ann Johnson

Long-suffering is Easier to Give When We Remember What We Received

1 Timothy 1:15-16 – This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

Christ showed long-suffering for not only Paul, but for you and I too.  When we remember what Christ did for us, it is easier for us to give that same grace to others.

Kindness (Gentleness)

• Moral excellence in character or demeanor
• Goodness in action, sweetness in disposition, gentleness in dealing with others
• Acting for the welfare of those who are taxing our patience

God’s Kindness Leads Us to Repentance

Romans 2:4 (NKJV) – Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Often kindness is the best way to bring people to repentance.

Kindness Enables Us To Become Heirs

Titus 3:3-6 (NKJV) – For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Kindness is Part of our Faith Wardrobe

Colossians 3:12 (NKJV) – Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

We must make the conscious decision to show kindness.

Goodness

• Virtue or Benefit
• Kindness in manifestation
• Virtue equipped for action

II Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NKJV) – Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.