Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control

This group of fruit pertains to our relationship to our inner selves, which speaks volumes about our character and inner life.

FAITHFULNESS is loyalty or trustworthiness - Heb. 12:2 tells us that Jesus is the author of faithfulness. Not only is the Lord our best example (Lam 3:22-23, Isaiah 25:1), but His name means Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11). I like this quote regarding faithfulness from Phillip Keller: "I actively, energetically give of my best to another outside of and apart from myself".

Why be faithful? Because the Bible commands faithfulness (Prov. 3:3), and because it brings to us the blessings of God and man (Prov. 3:4). There are many ways to demonstrate the fruit of faithfulness in our lives. We need to be truthful in our words and promises (Prov. 12:22). Our work needs to be exemplary - without question (Col. 3:22-24). Showing faithfulness and stewardship in our finances is another way we display this fruit in our lives (Luke 16:11, Psalms 37:21). Most of all we want to be known for our faithfulness to the Lord. It will be grand to someday hear well done thou good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:21).

GENTLENESS is "power under control." A gentle person is not weak, but very strong and able to control their emotions and actions - this is also referred to as spiritual tenderness. Think of it this way: MEEK MEN are not WEAK MEN. If we are not gentle then fruit flies or weeds begin to spring up in our lives: pride, self-assertion, arrogance, self-indulgence, aggressive and abrasive behaviors - which overwhelm the other fruit.

To be Gentle we need to: Tame our tongues (Prov. 15:1 and Psalms 141:3), some of the ways we do this is by:
o Blessing Others - Luke 6:28
o Refusing to retaliate with words - I Peter 2:23
o Avoiding gossip - Prov. 16:28B
o Being strong enough to forgive and not hold grudges - Matt. 18:22, Gal 6:1 (restore in Love)

We must deny ourselves, take up the Cross...

SELF-CONTROL is also known as "Temperance" in scripture (Gal. 5:16, 2 Peter 1:5-7).
Prov. 25:28 tells us that self-control is that wall that protects from temptations of the evil one like the ancient walls that kept the enemy out. When I have self-control over my emotions, passions and appetites (1 Cor. 13: 1-7) then my whole self comes under the control and surrender of Christ. I become governed by God.

If you have "wild vines" you are not self-controlled. Areas in our lives that especially need to be tamed:
* Our tempers: Prov. 29:22
* Our words: Prov. 12:18a
* Our responses: Eph. 4:26
* Our appetites and rights when we refuse to concentrate on temptation: Eph 4:27
* Our finances: Ecc 5:10 and 1 Tim. 6:10a

The Good Gardener wants to come into your garden gates. He wants to be given the ground of your entire being to do with as He wishes to do, to produce what His will is, the way that He wills. He wants to be the controller of crop production in our lives, not us. Who are you allowing to cultivate your inner self?

Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies

DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.