Gifts Of The Spirit V

I Corinthians 12:31 instructs, “But covet earnestly the best gifts…”  As we have seen, every part of the body is important because of the particular function it plays.  In the same way, every gift of the Spirit is important in the church.    The body can function without the tonsils, although somewhat less efficiently, and there are some gifts the church can function without.  Other gifts are like the heart or lungs, essential if the church is to be able to survive on its own.  Paul is saying these are the gifts we need to be most concerned about. 

In I Corinthians 13, He pointed out that without love, or charity, the gifts of the Spirit are worthless, so in I Corinthians 14:1-4 he points out why one is more important and essential than another.  “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.” 

In modern language, the word “prophesy” is nearly always used in reference to foretelling the future.  The biblical usage had a much broader meaning, referring to telling people what God said, whether about the future, or about something teaching God wanted them to know.  The gift of prophecy was a special ability to receive a message directly from God which was to be shared with the other people.   When the scriptures were complete, those special messages were not necessary.  Teachers can fulfill the responsibilities of the prophet in our day because they have God’s word to teach from.  As a result, I Corinthians 13:8-10 tells us, “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

When Paul wrote that the scriptures were not yet complete, so prophecy was still a necessary gift.  Because there was such a variety of languages, the ability to speak in tongues was also necessary, but Paul says the gift of prophecy, of telling people what God wanted is more important because tongues were only of benefit to people who understood them, whereas prophecy could strengthen everyone that heard it.  Tongues would only build up or strengthen other Christians if they understood them so they were worthless unless they were interpreted, as he explains I Corinthians 14:5-11.

“I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.  Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?  For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?  So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.  There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.  Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. “ (I Corinthians 14:5-11)

If people do not understand what is being said, it is just meaningless noise.  They may legitimately think the church is insane for putting up with such confusion.  On the other hand, even a bugle or musical instrument, can convey a message if played in a recognizable pattern.  If we are to have an impact on others, they have to understand what is said. So Paul says it would be better for the church if they taught what God wanted than if they spoke in tongues.  

Gifts Of The Spirit IV

But now are they many members, yet but one body.   And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.   Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” (I Corinthians 12:20-26)

A few years ago, doctors routinely removed children’s tonsils because they so often became infected.  They were shocked to find that those who had their tonsils removed were more susceptible to various diseases.  They discovered that the tonsils were the first line of defense against certain diseases.  Especially during the depression children didn’t get adequate nutrition, and immigration and trade policies allowed them to be exposed to more pathogens than they could handle in a malnourished state.   When they were properly nourished the tonsils protected the children from disease. 

Frequently, in the church there is a person who doesn’t seem to contribute very much, but they may be praying or encouraging others in ways we aren’t aware of.  If they are hurt or ignored the entire church will suffer, even though they don’t realize why.  Every member of the church plays a vital role in the church’s health.  We need to learn to have equal concern for the little old man or woman who can’t do much as for the youth or the church leadership.  They are all part of the body. 

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” (I Corinthians 12:27-28)

When God started the churches, he started with the apostles, who laid the basic foundation and wrote out what they had been taught by Christ.  He gave them special gifts such as healing, miracles, and speaking in tongues as a means of convincing people they were actually messengers from God.  Paul referred to those gifts as signs or proofs of apostleship in II Corinthians 12:12. “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”   When the apostles were no longer present these gifts disappeared as well.

Because the scriptures were not yet complete and people were not familiar with how a church should run, God gave certain men a gift of prophecy so they could tell people about things that had not yet been addressed.  Once the scriptures were complete and the principles established, this gift would cease as well.  John and Matthew were written very early, apparently before about 37 AD.  As persecution began to grow in 37 AD, the Christians were forced to scatter, taking copies of John and Matthew with them.  The Holy Spirit gave certain men a special gift for teaching so they could explain the scriptures to the people in the different communities. 

The people in these other communities still had the same needs as those in Jerusalem, and the gifts of healing or miracles were still common in the churches, although only the apostles are described as having them later in Acts.     In addition the Holy Spirit gifted certain men with abilities to help people physically, emotionally, and financially.  As the churches grew there was a need for people to administer or govern the church and some people were gifted in that area.  As they moved into gentile communities and began to reach out to them, the need for people who could speak the different languages grew and some were given special gifts for speaking different languages. 

“Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” (I Corinthians 12:29-31)

Even in that day, there was no need for everyone to have the same gifts.   Only 12 were chosen as apostles.  Not everyone had a gift for teaching, or for healing or speaking in tongues.    Some gifts were more important and desirable than others, and as we saw in the first post on Spiritual gifts, the fruit of the Spirit is far more important than any of the gifts.  Without it the gifts are worthless.   

Gifts Of The Spirit III

In the previous post we saw that the Holy Spirit does not give everyone the same spiritual gifts, but gives each person the gifts he chooses for the benefit of the entire church.  It is crucial we understand this point or we may well begin to believe, like many do that a person is not really saved and doesn’t have the Holy Spirit unless they have a certain gift such as speaking in tongues.  Paul explains why not everyone gets the same gifts. 

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  For the body is not one member, but many.” (I Corinthians 12:12-14)

The church is the body of Christ, and like the human body, there are numerous parts, each performing a certain function.    In order to perform the different functions they have different abilities or gifts.  For example the heart pumps the blood that carries the nutrients throughout the body, and removes the waste from the cells.  Since it is inside the body it has no need for the ability to see, but has a special ability to keep pumping continuously for a lifetime.  The cells necessary to see would interfere with its ability to pump the blood.  Similarly, if the eye had muscles like the heart muscle that constantly contract, it would be very hard to see things.  In the same way, Gifts that person doesn’t need to perform his function in the church may prove to be distraction and interfere with his ability to do his job, so the Holy Spirit does not give them. 

Sometimes in the church, people get jealous because they want to do a different job and feel like they are not part of the church.    I Corinthians 12:15-21 addresses this problem.   “If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.  And if they were all one member, where were the body?  But now are they many members, yet but one body.   And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

 “

Just imagine what would happen if a person’s foot decided that if it couldn’t be his hand instead, it just wouldn’t do anything or act as part of his body, or if the ear decided to not to be part unless it was given the job of seeing.  While a person can learn to do almost everything with his feet that he can do with his hands, everything is much more difficult, and some are almost impossible, and since the foot refuses to be part the person will be unable to walk normally.  Even if it got the job, the ear could never do the eye’s job because it doesn’t have the necessary abilities, but by refusing to do its proper job it would leave the person deaf.    

Without a heart to pump blood to it. a digestive system to get the nourishment from the food, or feet to carry it to where food is available an eye could not survive and the ability to see would be worthless.  In the same way, a church where everyone had the same gifts or are competing to do the same jobs cannot function as a church and will probably not survive very long.  God has put each person in the church where he wanted them, giving them the gifts they need to do the job he has given them.   They need to focus on doing that job to the best of their ability instead of looking to obtain a more prestigious job or expand their ministry. 

At the same time, those in the more prestigious jobs need to understand they could not do their job without the others doing their job any more than an eye could survive or function without The efforts of those who do the less visible and prestigious jobs.  God has placed every person in the church as it has pleased him and we have no right or authority to dismiss them or eject them from the church just because they don’t go along with the way we want them.    

Many of the attitudes and actions we see in modern churches are clear indications of a carnal, unspiritual state.  The constant focus by many to attain a more prestigious position or pastorate.   Efforts to drive out or eliminate those who resist change or don’t care for particular style of music or service indicate the same thing.  Insisting that everyone must have the gift of speaking in tongues indicates an ignorance about the Holy Spirit’s working., as does insisting that other groups are wrong for having a different organizational structure or way of doing things.  

Gifts Of The Spirit II

Most of the time in modern churches talk about gifts of the Spirit focuses on four main areas, prophecy, miracles, healing, and speaking in tongues, probably because they seem more exciting.  As we saw in the previous post, the gifts were given to meet a special need and disappear when they are no longer needed.  As Paul pointed out, once the scriptures were complete, the need for a prophet to get a special message from God was no longer as necessary.   If everyone in the church speaks the same language,  the ability to speak in other languages as they did in Acts 2 is far less important.  I Corinthians 12-14 were written to help us get a proper understanding of the spiritual gifts, as verse 1 tells us. 

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.   Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.  Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” (I Corinthians 12:1-3)

The Corinthians were gentile people who had been taught false doctrines about a lot of different gods.  Since Christianity was new to them they would tend to to carry over some of those false doctrines and attitudes for a while because they simply didn’t understand the difference, and this was true of their attitudes toward spiritual gifts.  In order to determine whether a gift was truly from the Holy Spirit or not it would be necessary to try the Spirits as we saw in I John 4.  A Chinese Christian visiting a church in America heard a man who claimed to have the gift of tongues cursing Christ and accusing him of being a fraud in fluent Mandarin Chinese, but because no one understood what he was saying, no one questioned whether it was from God or not.  The Chinese man was quite concerned.   In chapter 14 we will see some guidelines to prevent such things from happening.  First we start with some basic principles about the gifts. 

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” (I Corinthians 12:4-7)

The first thing we need to realize is that the Holy Spirit doesn’t do everything the same way every time.   He does not give everybody the same gifts.   A person can have the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues for example.   The Holy Spirit may lead one church to have a single pastor and another to have several elders.   One group may be led to support missionaries individually while another may use a cooperative program.  One pastor may earn his doctorate while another never goes to college.  The Holy Spirit can do different things in different people.  He is still the same Holy Spirit.  Looking down on someone who has different gifts or does things a different way only demonstrates our lack of spiritual maturity. 

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” (I Corinthians 12:8-11)

One person may have a gift or talent for helping people to make wise decisions, while another has a special gift for learning important facts.  A third person has a much greater level of faith while someone else has a gift for healing people or doing various miracles.  One may have a special gift for recognizing whether something is from the Holy Spirit or some other spirit while another may have a gift for speaking different languages.  Still another may have a gift for interpreting from one language to another effectively.  The Holy Spirit gives each person the gifts he wants them to have for the benefit of the entire church.  They are not intended to be used to enhance our own prestige or make us rich. 

In Samaria there had been a religious teacher named Simon who had gained great wealth and influence through his activities.  When he accepted Christ he wanted the same kind of power and prestige in the church   Acts 8:18-23 tells the story.  “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.”  The very fact that Simon was concerned about being able to make a lot of money or gain such respect in the church indicated he was not led by the Holy Spirit, but was being directed by an evil spirit.  Unfortunately many use their gifts and talents to benefit themselves rather than to strengthen other Christians.     

Gifts Of The Spirit I

The Holy Spirit produces fruit in every person who receives him, and as we saw in Romans 8:9, that is true for every Christian.  How much fruit is produced is limited only by our willingness to study the scriptures and allow him to change our attitudes and behavior.   Unfortunately, most people are more concerned about the special gifts or abilities the Holy Spirit gives.  This had become a major problem in Paul’s day and continues to the present time, with the result he devoted three chapters of I Corinthians to the subject, explaining what the different gifts are, how they are received, and the guidelines for their use.    I would like to start with I Corinthians 13.     

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (I Corinthians 13:1-3)

Paul states that without the agape love that is the first part to the fruit of the Spirit, none of the gifts are of any value.  No matter how many different languages a person may be able to speak, both human and unknown languages, without the fruit of the Spirit, they are just meaningless noise, like pounding a sheet of tin or slamming cymbals together.  In its proper place, speaking in tongues can add a great deal to the music, but improperly used it just messes up and distracts from everything else. 

Similarly, the ability to preach, to tell what God says, regardless how many degrees one has or how perfectly one understands the scriptures, is completely useless and meaningless without the fruit of the Spirit, and especially charity or love.  The hearers may learn a lot, but no spiritual change will occur.  People’s faith will be based on Human wisdom rather than the power of God, as Paul said in I Corinthians 2:4-5. 

Finally, Paul points that without the love that the Holy Spirit produces, all our efforts to please him will be wasted.  We can give to feed and help the refugees until we starve ourselves, or serve in some humanitarian effort, even being killed for our effort and without the Holy Spirit working in us, it will not benefit us at all.  As Jesus said in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?   And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. “  

The love the holy Spirit produces is different than the love the world expresses.  I Corinthians 13:4-7 describes what that kingd of love is like.  “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”   That spiritual love is only concerned about what is good for others.  It doesn’t manipulate people or take advantage of them, nor does it destroy their self-respect.   It doesn’t look down on people, but at the same time it is honest about what they are really like, and is willing to put up with some inconvenience, hoping for something better in the future.  It is not blind idealism like much of what is charity today, but is concerned that helping one group does not hurt another.  It is key to producing all the other parts of the fruit.   

“Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (I Corinthians 13:8-13)

All of the gifts are given to fulfill a temporary need.  When they are no longer needed they will disappear.  The fruit of the Spirit on the hand, will remain as long as the earth continues.  They will never lose their power.  The focus on the gifts implies a spiritual immaturity.  It’s kind of like playing in the shade the tree produces, but not bothering to water the tree or protect it from gophers or harmful insects.  If we take care of the tree it will provide the shade as well as the fruit, but if not we may not have either shade or fruit. .  

While all the parts of an apple are important, the most valuable part is the flesh, the part you eat.  Similarly, all the parts of the fruit of the Spirit are important but the most important part is the agape love or charity.  

Spiritual Freedom

Many today feel that Christianity is very restrictive and demanding.  They find statements sucha s Galatians 5:19-21 intimidating.  “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”   Numerous groups have adopted very strict codes of conduct  to ensure their people act like Christians. 

This appears as a direct contradiction with what II Corinthians 3:17 tells us and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”   Galatians 5:18 said, “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”  The conflict is a result of trying to be good enough to deserve ones salvation by fleshly means.   Paul addressed this problem in Galatians 3:2-3.  “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”  We will never attain an acceptable lifestyle by following a set of rules. 

Romans 8:1-11 tells us that that will only come as result of allowing the Holy Spirit to control our life.  “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” 

Instead of constantly struggling to do the right things, the Holy spirit will guide us, making it far easier to do what is right.  We do not need those codes of conduct.   This does not mean we are free to go and do whatever we feel like doing.   I Corinthians 6:12 tells us, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”  A Christian will not lose his salvation or go to hell for doing those things, but some things are not beneficial to him.  Some activities are typical of those who do not believe in god and cast doubt on the reality of his salvation.  Others tend to take over one’s life and interfere with his spiritual life.  While we ought to avoid such activities, we do not need to fear making a mistake, knowing God is a forgiving God.    As Galatians 5:13 says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”  We have the freedom to commit things that are sin, but love should constrain us not to do things that hurt others, and the love is a result of the Holy Spirit producing fruit in the Christian’s life.

Before accepting Christ, we were slaves to sin and could not choose whether to do right or wrong.  Even our efforts to do good were for wrong motives, so that nothing was truly good.  With the Holy Spirit in our lives we now have the freedom to choose whether to do right or wrong.  Romans 6;20-22 explains.  “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.   What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”  We do what is right because we choose to, not because we have to.  

The Fruit Of The Spirit

In a previous post we talked about how that a person who had truly received the Holy Spirit and been saved would not be content in a sinful life style.  Today we come back and see why that is true.  Galatians 5:16-18 Informs us that victory over sin and the flesh will not be a problem for those who follow the Holy Spirit’s leadership.  “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.   For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” 

There are certain things that clearly indicate a person has not been saved and does not have the Holy Spirit, as Galatians 5:19-21 clearly states.  “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” 

While many people have no problem believing murder, adultery and other sexual sins such as rape, or homosexuality or drunkenness are signs that a person is not a Christian, they tend to consider things such as jealousy, competition, hatred, a dirty mind, or arguing as being acceptable, when in fact, they indicate a person is not walking in the Spirit and may not be saved.  All these things are the result of an improper heart attitude, and Matthew 15:18-20 tells us.  “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:  These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”

To walk in the Spirit and get victory over sin it will be necessary to allow the Holy Spirit to produce a new attitude or spirit of mind in us, as Ephesians 4:22-24 says.  “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”  Changes in attitude result in major changes in what we do. 

Galatians 5:22-23 describes the new attitudes the Holy Spirit produces.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”   One of the things that the Holy Spirit changes is our attitude toward other people.  His gives us that conscious choice to care about them even when they treat us badly, the agape love or charity described in I Corinthians 13:4-7. He produces an attitude of joy, of enjoyment in our daily life.  Joy is accompanied by and depends on an attitude of peace, of not being constantly upset or worried about what is happening around us.  Peace is a result of an attitude of faith, that God is in control and that he will make everything turn out the way it should for our good as promised in Romans 8:28. 

When we are living in peace joy and faith, we can deal with setbacks and conflicts without much difficulty, and depression or despair will not be a problem.  Because we love them and are not upset about the things that are going on, we can be gentle to people going out of our way to avoid saying or doing things that hurt them.  This will result in  an attitude of meekness, putting other people’s needs and desires ahead of one’s own.  With a proper attitude toward the people and things around us, treating other people right comes naturally, so that we don’t have to spend a lot of time trying to decide what the right thing to do would be.  The ability to control oneself ceases to be a problem because one is not upset and worried.   All of the parts of the fruit of the Spirit are interconnected and depend on each other just like the parts of any other fruit.  An apple tree doesn’t just produce seeds and the Holy Spirit doesn’t just produce love, for example.  Both of them produce complete fruit.    

Romans 6 makes the point t5hat we are dead to sin but alive to God through the Spirit.  Since that is true, we need to learn to walk or live in a fashion befitting a person who has the Holy spirit as his guide, as Galatians 5;24-26 directs.  “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”  We ought not be jealous of each other or stirring up conflict and trying to get the advantage.