Tag: fruit

Gentleness

Neal Pollard

The word does not show up very much in the New Testament, yet it is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23). It may seem similar to patience and kindness, but it differs from them. Spiros Zodhiates, in his New Testament word study, explains gentleness as 

Meekness, but not in a man’s outward behavior only, nor in his relations to  his fellow man or his mere natural disposition. Rather, it is an inwrought grace of the soul, and the expressions of it are primarily toward God (James 1:21; 3:13; 1 Pet. 3:15; Sept.: Ps. 45:4). It is that attitude of spirit we accept God’s dealings with us as good and do not dispute or resist. Praǘtēs, according to  Aristotle, is the middle standing between two extremes, getting angry without reason (orgilótēs [n.f.]), and not getting angry at all (aorgēsía [n.f.]). Therefore, praǘtēs is getting angry at the right time, in the right measure, and for the right reason.  Praǘtēs is not readily expressed in Eng. (since the term “meekness” suggests weakness), but it is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness, but in power. It is a balance born in strength of character.

Gentleness may be the consummate people skill, but it is so difficult to master. It’s often emphasized as a skill we each must have as members of the church (2 Tim. 2:24; Ti. 3:1-2). Gentleness comes in handy with soul-winning (1 Pet. 3:15), proving wisdom (James 3:13), in preaching (2 Tim. 2:25, and moral living (1 Tim. 6:11).

In the context of Galatians 5-6 and being a spiritual member of the church, gentleness is necessary for holding a congregation together. It’s how we’re told to restore an erring brother–gently (Gal. 6:1). In fact, congregational unity hinges upon our being gentle with each other (Eph. 4:1-3). 

Why is this tough? Because the world tells you it’s dog eat dog, you get them before they get you, and you go for the juggler vain. That’s horrible advice for doing business and even worse advice for treating your brethren. We live by a higher law that includes gentleness. 

A story is told  of a man whose kids won four free goldfish so he went one morning to find an aquarium at the store. The first few he priced were way too expensive, but then he spotted a discarded 10-gallon display tank, complete with gravel and filter for a mere $5. It was filthy, but the savings made the two hour clean up well worth it. Those four fish seemed to thrive in their new home, for the first day. But by the next day, one was dead. The day after that a second was dead, and a third one was gone by the end of that day. An expert was consulted and he quickly discovered the problem. The man had washed the tank with soap, an absolute no-no. His misguided efforts had destroyed the very lives he tried to protect. 

Sometimes, in our zeal to clean up others’ lives, we use the killer soaps of condemnation, criticism, nagging, and outbursts of anger. We may think we are doing right, but our harsh self-righteousness is too much for the object of our efforts.  Paul stresses that a failure to practice gentleness proves that we are spiritually immature and weak. Jesus Himself embodied it (Mat. 11:29; 21:5), and He teaches that His followers win by incorporating it (Mat. 5:5). 

How can you practice gentleness today?

  • When someone who looks up to you or is influenced by you has sinned or done something unwise, temper your response with a loving, pleasant, and kind reaction.
  • When inconvenienced or delayed by someone (at school, on the job, shopping, in traffic), beat back bad temper and force a genuine smile.
  • When your spouse or child disappoints or aggravates you, stop, think, and then show a loving, mild, and lenient response. 
  • When facing incompetence, ignorance, or ineptness, prevent your mouth from criticism, your face from contempt, and your tone from sarcasm. 

Especially when you have an advantage and when others make mistakes of the head rather than the heart, call upon this part of the fruit of the Spirit. To do otherwise is to let the flesh reign (Gal. 5:19-21). Remember, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (24). 

I Am The True Vine

Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, transforming even mundane moments into eternal significance. Three things endure forever: God, His Word, and human souls. By abiding in Jesus, we invest in eternity. So, how do we abide?

Carl Pollard

In Deuteronomy 32, Moses presented a song to Israel, a powerful reminder of God’s justice, power, and mercy, urging the nation to live faithfully to receive His promises. After the song, Moses declared in verse 47, “These words aren’t just empty words, they are your life.” Today, every opportunity to worship and study God’s Word offers us not just empty stories but the words of life. In John 15:1-8, Jesus teaches a powerful message about connection, urging us to “abide” in Him. The word “abide” appears repeatedly in this passage, emphasizing the need to remain connected to Jesus, especially as He spoke these words during the Last Supper, preparing His apostles for a world about to be turned upside down.

Jesus illustrates this connection by calling Himself the True Vine, a familiar image to Israel, where a branch relies on the vine for water and nutrients. Similarly, we must stay connected to Jesus, our source of life. This is His seventh and final “I AM” statement in John, underscoring its significance. Without this vital connection, we face eternal consequences. Jesus warns in John 15:4, “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” An independent branch withers and dies, just as a soul disconnected from Christ becomes fruitless and spiritually dead. Jesus emphasizes in verse 5, “for apart from me you can do nothing.” A fruitless branch is cut off (verse 2) and thrown away (verse 6). Without Jesus, we cannot fulfill our purpose—to bear fruit that glorifies God.

But on the flip side, abiding in Jesus leads to a fruitful life. John 15:5 promises, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” This connection transforms our prayers, aligning our desires with God’s will (verse 7). By bearing fruit, we glorify God and prove to be His disciples (verse 8). Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, transforming even mundane moments into eternal significance. Three things endure forever: God, His Word, and human souls. By abiding in Jesus, we invest in eternity.

So, how do we abide? First, meditate on His Word. Personalize Scripture to move it from head to heart. Second, obey His commands, particularly to “love one another” (verse 12). Third, pray continuously about everything, maintaining a constant conversation with Jesus. Finally, rest in His love, as He assures us in verse 9, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”

Abiding in Jesus, the True Vine, brings life, fruitfulness, and joy while glorifying God. As Colossians 3:4 declares, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Are you connected to the Vine? If not, now is the time to put your faith in Him, obey the gospel, and live for Jesus!

Good Dirt

Wednesday’s Column: Third Words

garyandme521

Gary Pollard

Ephesians 4 describes some spiritual gifts. Their purpose is to allow the church to function as it should. A properly functioning church spends eternity with God. A functional church is on the same page (one mind), has spiritual depth, and is workable (more on that in a bit). 

Ephesians 4.12ff is about members’ roles. What are they for? Everyone serves to equip saints. Saints are people who have pledged allegiance to God. 

We train for morally good works and become stronger through encouragement (12,16). We work toward a unified mindset, knowing Jesus, spiritual maturity, and we pursue the highest standard (Jesus) (13,14). 

We work to avoid immaturity and gullibility (14). We pursue maturity until our mindset emulates Christ’s (15). He is described (multiple times) as the standard we have to imitate. There’s no room for spiritual laziness here. 

Jesus causes growth spiritually, but only if we’ve become soil that can be worked. If our minds aren’t mature, we aren’t workable. Elders are spiritual farmers, our hearts are the soil. If we use Jesus as our standard, we are workable. If not, we’re spiritually dead. 

So, what can we do individually? Make the church strong by pursuing unity, by having spiritual depth, and by being workable. If we work on those things we will spend forever with God. 

After Cuts Become Scars

Neal Pollard

David was broken and battered by sin. He would feel its effects from his public life to his private life for the rest of his life. In the aftermath of his actions with Bathsheba and the subsequent cover-up, the wounds of sin left visible scars. Nathan’s accusing words perhaps ringing in his ears, he sits down to pen by inspiration the haunting, but hopeful, 51st Psalm. We often dwell more on the first part, the multifaceted description of sin and the more beautiful pictures of forgiveness. But, to me, the most beautiful part of the psalm is when David starts using the word “then.”

Satan would love for sin to defeat us. He would like the guilt to overwhelm us, to keep us from the restoration David longs for here. David is speaking prospectively, asking for a clean heart, renewed spirit, spiritual fellowship, joy and sustenance from God. But, he asks for it for a purpose. In doing so, he shows us what God wants to do with us and for us after our “cuts” become “scars.”

After the cuts become scars…

REACH OUT TO THE LOST (Psalm 51:13). On the other side of repentance, David was anxious to help others reeling from their spiritual wounds. As we overcome through God’s help, we can be a tool in His hand to relate to and rescue others struggling just like we did. It would be far better to have never gone down the road of sin, but having truly come back we can understand the desperate, dark place transgressors are walking. 

BE A FAITHFUL WORSHIPPER (Psalm 51:14). David, the master musician, had lost his song in the far country. He yearned for joyful song. Worship loses its power and purity in our lives when we are living in darkness. We feel hypocritical and empty, just going through the motions. But, back in His glorious light, we can experience that lifted up feeling once more. David shows us the blessing of restoration, a spirit renewed to enjoy further renewal in faithful worship.

GIVE GOD SACRIFICES (Psalm 51:15-17). David mentions the sacrifice of praise, a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart. It is obvious, from context, that these sacrifices would reveal themselves in his service to God and to others. This is not merely guilt-driven service, an effort to make amends for the evil influence of his sin. Having been made whole, David has a clarity of purpose that appreciates better what God wants from him. We can be fruitful and useful to Him, scars and all. 

ACCEPT GOD’S DELIGHT (Psalm 51:18-19). How many times did David relive those moments from the rooftop to the prophet’s visit? How often did he wish he could just go back and undo it all? How long did he wrestle with accepting God’s forgiveness and wondering if God could take him back? He shows an appreciation for the prospect of God’s delight. He rightly feels responsible for others, and he wants to lead them to do what’s right. But, I love what he anticipates. He knows God will be delighted with the offering.  Did you know that? Did you know that God can delight in you again, when you bring him your sin-scarred life and offer your righteous sacrifices? He doesn’t want to discard you. He wants to delight in you!

It must have continued to be hard for David. He had reminders everywhere. He could not undo his past. But, he did the right thing. Having dealt with his past, he focused on the present and looked to the future. That’s what God wants us to do after our cuts become scars!

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MY FAMILY TREE

Neal Pollard

Years ago, for a school project, I was asked to trace my ancestry and make a family tree. In the process I learned some things I did not know about my heritage. Some of that made me proud, and some of it did not. I also learned that a family tree is always living and growing. Now that I am a husband and father, I appreciate that my children (and, one day, grandchildren) will be affected by how I lead my family.

You are nourishing your family tree, too. How are you caring for it? That is called a legacy. It will affect those who live after you are gone. Consider some things every family tree has, and ask yourself what kind of tree you are growing in your home.

Your family tree has…

  • ROOTS. Something is central to your home. It is what drives and motivates you. It is where you have your primary interest and investment, measured in dollars, energy, and time. For your family tree to survive, you must be “firmly rooted and…built up in [Christ]” (Col. 2:7).
  • BRANCHES. Your home is an influence on the larger community surrounding you. Every facet of your life, your job, your friends, the church you attend, and your community, is impressed, positively and negatively, by your home. You have a reputation. You are seen. As your family branches out into the world, what impact is it making for Christ? Remember, “If the root be holy, the branches are too” (Rom. 11:16).
  • NUTRIENTS. God made the tree to eat and drink, and by such it lives. If the nutrients are cut off (via drought or disease or damage), the tree dies. Likewise, our family tree must be nourished properly to keep each member of it alive. We must keep “constantly nourished on the words of faith and of the sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:6).
  • FRUIT. It may be acorns, cones, blossoms, or edible fruit, but trees bear fruit. When a fruit-bearing tree ceases production, it is a sign of trouble. At best, such a tree has lost its value. Our family tree will be known by its fruits (cf. Mat. 7:16,20). Failing to bear good fruit (Gal. 5:22-23) or bearing bad fruit (Luke 6:43) is condemned by God.
  • PREDATORS. “Dutch Elm Disease,” beetles, ants, and termites can all prematurely end the life of a tree. Sometimes, what kills the tree cannot be readily seen. Trees can be eaten from the inside out, and by the time the damage is visible it is too late. How like the damage predators do to the home! Three are so many! Tragically, sometimes the damage comes from within—what we do or allow to happen in the family. Satan is the predator of the home, but he works through human agency.
  • LEAVES. There are evergreens, conifers, and pines, but hardwoods are the most fascinating to me. I like their annual cycle. In Spring, the trees are in bloom and put on their leaves. They flourish in Summer. In Autumn, they are vibrant in color and beautiful. In Winter, they die and leave the tree. Parents, think of your children as those “leaves.” From birth, they bud and grow. Hopefully, in the teen years after trial and tribulation they begin to absorb and emulate the good principles we have taught. It can be a beautiful time. Then comes the time for them to leave. Remember that they are going to leave home some day. Make sure they leave spiritually and eternally prepared.