Fruit of the Spirit : Shining Longsuffering, Kindness, and Goodness

APPLICATION ARTICLE | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas

Introduction
We all, as Christians, have the responsibility to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Paul writes about being a shining example in Galatians 5:22-25, with the “fruit of the Spirit.” We are blessed to live in a divinely designed way and directed to help all others see, seek, and find it too.

Let’s consider the life of love, joy, and peace being complemented by “longsuffering, kindness, and goodness” so we can discover the value of these blessings and shine them brightly for all others to see.

Shining the Light of Longsuffering
“Longsuffering” is an old word; not commonly used today. It is better understood as “patience.” There is a great void of longsuffering in today’s world, making it all the more vital to live a life of patience and shine so others can see.

This life will test our patience, and too many in this world are failing the test. Let’s practice the patience of knowing all that waits for us beyond is far greater than any of the momentary issues of life. The Scriptures do not promise a life of ease. God’s faithful children still have difficulties and need the patience to endure them (1 Peter 1:6-9). Hope in God’s promised reward (Hebrews 6:9-12) motivates our practice of patience. In Hebrews 10:35-36 we see patience in the terms “confidence” and “endurance;” these words inform us of the proper attitude and actions required to gain our hope. We shine with this light of hope for all others around us to see. If we are determined to shine the light of patience, we will greatly bless others around us.

Before we move on from this point, know that “others” does not only mean alien sinners trapped out there in the doom of darkness. Our light of longsuffering/patience needs to be seen by our children, family, and brethren. Every day, we need to rise and shine the light of longsuffering.

Shining the Light of Kindness

Much of what we have already considered in “the fruit of the Spirit” can be cataloged under the header of kindness. Kindness expresses our love, joy, peace, and patience. Kindness is like the ribbon on the gift, our example, offered to all others around us.

The term “kind” (relating to others) is only used twice in the New Testament. Once, it is said to be a characteristic of real love in 1 Corinthians 13:4, and then when we look out for the betterment of our brethren (Ephesians 4:32). Practically applied, this word means “to be useful to another.” The defining action of “kindness” is “benevolent care.” We fill an important need for others when we offer kindness to them.

A kind person is a doer of good. Doing good is the expectation of Galatians 6:9-10, as it says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” A kind person seeks to do good works— “All scripture is given…that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A kind person sincerely cares for the well-being of others. Like Epaphroditus for the well-being of Paul, as recorded in Philippians 2:30, “…for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.”

Kindness is the right light to shine to show Christ through us. We fulfill the responsibility of Matthew 5:16, as it instructs us, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works…” We must become more like Him every day—becoming the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13), increasing in holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). If we are determined to shine the light of kindness, we will be a great blessing to others around us.

Before we move on from this point, please know that “others” does not only mean alien sinners trapped out there in the doom of darkness. Our light of kindness needs to be seen by our children, family, and brethren. Every day, we need to rise and shine the light of kindness.

Shining the Light of Goodness

In stark contrast to the way of the world, we are determined to be good people who do good things—for a good reason (Romans 2:7). Goodness is represented as much by the things we avoid as by those things we do. Goodness is “doing the right things” and doing them well (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul, in Colossians 1:9-12, teaches us that God expects us to be filled with the knowledge of His will; of course, this means that we will apply ourselves to the study of His word. As we study the word, we will grow in “wisdom and spiritual understanding,” which will lead us toward being “fruitful in every good work.”

The pursuit of goodness motivates us to seek opportunities to do more. Pray for, and look for, opportunities to do “good.” Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Titus 2:11-14 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” If we are determined to shine the light of goodness, we will be a great blessing to others around us.

Before we end this point and this lesson, please know that “others” does not only mean alien sinners trapped out there in the doom of darkness. Our light of goodness needs to be seen by our children, family, and brethren. Every day, we need to rise and shine the light of goodness.

Conclusion:

As we continue to consider the influence of God’s way on our own lives and what it can do for others, we learn that this influence will only be seen if we live it out in the open—living a life of love, joy, and peace. Maintaining that life through patience, kindness, and the continuous pursuit of goodness gives us the right light to shine for all others to see. Our hope and prayer must be that we will shine this light for all others to see, seek, and find. ~tss

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January 2023 | GROW magazine