Joy, as described in Scripture, is far deeper than a passing emotional state. The Apostle Paul lists joy as part of the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. .” Galatians 5:22,23 This joy is not […]
The apostle Paul closes his famous list of the Fruit of the Spirit with a virtue that feels increasingly rare in modern life: self-control. In Galatians 5:22–23, Paul writes “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22–23, For self-control, Paul uses the Greek word enkrateia, meaning […]
From a biblical perspective, the answer begins not with politics or strategy, but with God’s design for humanity. Scripture consistently presents human life as sacred, created in the image of God So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27. Because every person bears this divine […]
In writing to the church in Galatia, the apostle Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness (Galatians 5:22–23). At first glance, goodness might sound like simply “doing good things.” Yet in the biblical sense, goodness runs deeper than outward behavior. It is a moral quality formed by […]
Patience is more than waiting. In the Bible, patience is the steady strength to endure delay, difficulty, or frustration without giving way to anger, despair, or impulsive action. It is the ability to remain faithful and loving when circumstances — or people — test you. The apostle Paul lists patience as part of the fruit […]
In the years immediately following the death and resurrection of Jesus, believers began focusing on their sin and on God’s forgiveness of it in advance of celebrating Christ’s resurrection. Over time, the church standardized 40 days (not counting Sundays) as a period of reflection and called it Fortieth or Lent. Like the Jewish celebration of […]
“I love you” is much more than a Valentine’s Day sentiment. It’s much more than words on a card. So what is true love? The Bible says the greatest commandment is: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5) and “love your neighbor […]
Last week we took an overview approach to answer this question focusing on God’s love. This week we are searching the Scriptures to see what else God wants us to know about the noble purpose He has instilled in each of us. First, we turn to a book of poetry where we read: What is […]
Mankind was created in the image of God to rule the earth and to fulfill God’s plan of redemption for the human race. Mankind’s role in this plan seems to point to a noble purpose. Mankind has been around a long time. There are signs in cave drawings, primitive rituals, cities that go back more […]
We’re all thankful for something, but more often discontent with our day-to-day lives. Many of us take for granted so much about our lives and the world around us that we don’t stop and think about the source of all that we have, nor do we stop and thank that source, God. Americans buy stuff […]
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