The Spirit-fruit Paul defines as ”faithfulness” clearly derives from, though may not be exactly the same as, that quality of mind and heart we call ”faith.” Though originating out of the same root, the two clearly carry distinct attributes.

Many may be the lingering objections from yesterday‘s examination of kindness. It is admittedly bold to identify a principle of behavior and conduct as surpassing theology to epitomize the foundation of the gospel message.

What more practical and revealing window exists into the human soul than fear? At root we are weak and timid creatures, full of many fears. Fear of death probably tops the list. It is a universal fear shared by our entire race. And individually we each harbor multitudes of our own private fears. All these Jesus sweeps away, saying, ”Believe in me and you need fear nothing!”

The more down-to-earth one makes the teachings of the Bible, the more certain intellectual spiritualists resent the absence of doctrine, theology, and analysis. The practicality of the Bible is too much for them.

Our response to patience all depends on how we phrase the command.

Another group of the most frequently given but often overlooked Commands of Jesus might be summarized in many ways--bravery, stout heartedness, courage, valor, fearlessness, boldness. They are here gathered together as two, which we consider as Take heart, take courage, and simply Do not be afraid.

Peace is one of those evanescent felt singularities in life for which we hunger yet experience all too seldom.

The secret to understanding the Bible is really quite simple. The formula for unlocking Genesis 1 is the same as that needed to penetrate the mysteries of Revelation 22...and everything in between. That powerful key is: Converting principle to command.

The Command to watchfulness has deep but often overlooked consequences. Counterfeits creep in to distract us when we let our spiritual guards down. The moment attentiveness wanes, our eyes drift off the bulls eye of God‘s purpose. We observe this pattern with the twelve. Every time they became distracted by peripheral concerns, Jesus brought them back to foundational priorities with one or another variation of, ”You lost your focus...now pay attention.”

It comes as no surprise that the first ”fruit of the Spirit” Paul lists in Galatians 5:22 is love.