Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Bearing fruit » fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things. And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
(for the product of light consists of everything good and right and true). Then you will demonstrate [or, "learn about"] a life that is very pleasing to the Lord.
Symbols of the Holy Spirit » Dove » Gentle
Here is how it will be: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore you should be as crafty [Note: The Greek word here is "sensible"] as snakes, yet as harmless [Note: The Greek word is "sincere"] as doves.
Verse Concepts
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
Fruit, spiritual » General references to » Many varieties of
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.
Fruits » Illustrative » Of works of the spirit
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.
Gentleness » Exhortations to
But the [true] wisdom, which is from [God] above, is first of all pure, then peace-loving, patient and easily persuaded. [It is] full of mercy and produces a crop of good deeds; [it is] impartial [or, unwavering] and sincere.
Verse Concepts
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
Remind the people [where you minister] to be in subjection to [civic] rulers, [governmental] authorities, to be obedient [to them], to be prepared for [doing] every good deed, to slander no one, to be peaceful, to be considerate [or, "gentle"] and to show every courtesy to all people.
For the Lord's slave must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, capable of teaching, [and] patient [with difficult people and situations]. [He must] gently correct those people who oppose [him], in hope that God will give them [opportunity for] repentance, leading to a [full] knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from being trapped by the devil, who had captured them to do what he wanted.
Graces » Christian
But now [i.e., since the temporary gifts are to pass away], these three things remain: faith, hope and love; and the most important of them is love.
Verse Concepts
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.
"Those persons who feel a deep sense of their personal need are blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. "Those persons who feel grief [over their sins] are blessed because they will receive comfort [from God when they repent]. "Those persons who have a humble attitude [toward themselves] are blessed because they will inherit [the best of] the earth. read more.
"Those persons who have an appetite for whatever is right will be blessed because they will be satisfied. "Those persons who show mercy [toward others] will be blessed because they will be shown mercy [themselves]. "Those persons whose hearts are pure [before God] will be blessed because they will see God. "Those persons who attempt to make peace [between people] will be blessed because they will be called God's children. "Those persons who have suffered for trying to do what is right will be blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. You will be blessed when people speak against you and harm you and say bad things about you that are untrue, because of [your devotion to] me.
"Those persons who have an appetite for whatever is right will be blessed because they will be satisfied. "Those persons who show mercy [toward others] will be blessed because they will be shown mercy [themselves]. "Those persons whose hearts are pure [before God] will be blessed because they will see God. "Those persons who attempt to make peace [between people] will be blessed because they will be called God's children. "Those persons who have suffered for trying to do what is right will be blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. You will be blessed when people speak against you and harm you and say bad things about you that are untrue, because of [your devotion to] me.
And not only this, but we also rejoice in our troubles, knowing that [experiencing] troubles produces endurance; and endurance [produces God's] approval; and [His] approval [produces] hope. And [having such] hope keeps us from being disappointed, because God's love [for us] has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us [by God].
If I have the ability to speak in the languages of human beings and angels [Note: Perhaps the idea is supernaturally and eloquently], but do not have love [for people], I have become [no more than] a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the [spiritual] gift of prophecy, and can understand all [of God's] secret purposes, and have all knowledge; and if I have all [the supernatural] faith necessary to relocate mountains [See Matt. 17:20], but do not have love [for people], I am nothing. And if I donate all my possessions to feed poor people, and if I surrender my body to be burned [Note: This probably refers to becoming a martyr, but some manuscripts read, "that I may be able to boast"], but do not have love [for people], it is no benefit to me. read more.
[Note: The following traits should be understood in the context of love for people]. Love is patient [with people], and is kind [to them]; love does not envy [what people are or have]; love does not boast [of being superior to others], it is not arrogant [in dealing with people]. [Love] does not act improperly [toward people]; it does not insist on having its own way [at the expense of others]; it is not easily irritated [by others]; it does not keep track of the wrongs [done by others]. [Love] is not glad about the evil [that people do], but is glad about the truth [i.e., the good in their lives]. [Love] conceals all [people's] faults; it believes [the best about] all people; it hopes [for the best in] all people; it endures [ill treatment from] all people. Love will never cease. But though there are [now supernatural gifts of] prophecies, [someday] they will be abolished [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there are [now supernatural gifts of] languages, [someday] they will stop [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there is [now the supernatural gift of] knowledge, [someday] it will be abolished [i.e., this gift will cease to be exercised].
[Note: The following traits should be understood in the context of love for people]. Love is patient [with people], and is kind [to them]; love does not envy [what people are or have]; love does not boast [of being superior to others], it is not arrogant [in dealing with people]. [Love] does not act improperly [toward people]; it does not insist on having its own way [at the expense of others]; it is not easily irritated [by others]; it does not keep track of the wrongs [done by others]. [Love] is not glad about the evil [that people do], but is glad about the truth [i.e., the good in their lives]. [Love] conceals all [people's] faults; it believes [the best about] all people; it hopes [for the best in] all people; it endures [ill treatment from] all people. Love will never cease. But though there are [now supernatural gifts of] prophecies, [someday] they will be abolished [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there are [now supernatural gifts of] languages, [someday] they will stop [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there is [now the supernatural gift of] knowledge, [someday] it will be abolished [i.e., this gift will cease to be exercised].
And for this very reason, you people should make every effort to develop goodness along with your faith, and knowledge along with your goodness, and self-control along with your knowledge, and endurance along with your self-control, and godliness along with your endurance, and brotherly kindness along with your godliness, and with your brotherly kindness, develop love. read more.
For if you people have a lot of these [qualities] they will keep you from being unproductive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, anyone who lacks these qualities is [spiritually] blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed [i.e., forgiven] of his past sins.
For if you people have a lot of these [qualities] they will keep you from being unproductive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, anyone who lacks these qualities is [spiritually] blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed [i.e., forgiven] of his past sins.
The Holy Spirit as Comforter » As such he » Communicates joy to saints
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord. [And even though] you suffered much affliction, you welcomed the message with joy [given to you] by the Holy Spirit,
Verse Concepts
For God's kingdom is not a matter of what people eat or drink, but [instead, it is a matter] of doing what is right, having peace [of heart] and having [inner] joy, which come from the Holy Spirit.
Verse Concepts
Holy spirit » fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things. And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
(for the product of light consists of everything good and right and true). Then you will demonstrate [or, "learn about"] a life that is very pleasing to the Lord.
Holy spirit » Fruits of » Many varieties of
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.
the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit » Is the means of » Fructifying
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
Joy » fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
Longsuffering » Encouraged
[Note: The following traits should be understood in the context of love for people]. Love is patient [with people], and is kind [to them]; love does not envy [what people are or have]; love does not boast [of being superior to others], it is not arrogant [in dealing with people].
Verse Concepts
[We also pray that you will be] strengthened with great power, according to God's glorious might, so that you will have great endurance and patience [coupled] with joy.
Verse Concepts
Preach the [Gospel] message; be prepared [to do it both] when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient; reprove [i.e., convince people of their wrongdoing], rebuke [i.e., convict people of their sin], and exhort [i.e., urge people to act], with great patience and teaching.
Verse Concepts
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
[We have ministered] with purity, knowledge, patience and kindness. [We have done this] by [the power of] the Holy Spirit; out of genuine love;
Verse Concepts
Love to God » Produced by » The holy ghost
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
And may the Lord direct your hearts to love [people] as God does, and to be steadfast as Christ was.
Verse Concepts
Love to man » A fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
He also told us about your love, [which is produced] by the Holy Spirit.
Verse Concepts
Meekness » General references to » A fruit of the Spirit
Brothers, if any one of you is overwhelmed by a [particular] sin, those of you who are spiritually minded should [attempt to] restore such a person [to faithfulness]. But do it in a gentle way, being very careful that you yourself do not become tempted [to get involved in any sin].
Verse Concepts
Live in a humble, gentle and patient way, showing tolerance [for the weaknesses] of one another out of love [for them].
Verse Concepts
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.
Meekness » A fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.
Peace » General references to spiritual
Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a large number of the heavenly "army" [i.e., of angels], who were praising God and saying, "May there be glory to God in the highest [heavens], and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing to God."
So, when it was evening on that day, [which was] the first day of the week [i.e., Sunday] and the doors [of someone's house], where the disciples were gathered, were closed [i.e., probably locked] for fear of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. [Note: Probably Jesus passed through the closed door miraculously]. He said to them, "May there be peace in your hearts."
Verse Concepts
For the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh will suffer [spiritual] death; but the one whose mind is [controlled] by the Holy Spirit will enjoy [never ending] life and peace.
Verse Concepts
because of God's merciful compassion. Therefore, the morning sun from above will arise to shine on those who are sitting in darkness and [are under] the shadow of death, and to direct our feet into the way of peace."
For God's kingdom is not a matter of what people eat or drink, but [instead, it is a matter] of doing what is right, having peace [of heart] and having [inner] joy, which come from the Holy Spirit.
Verse Concepts
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.
May you have unearned favor and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
Verse Concepts
Now may the Lord Himself, [who is the source] of peace, give you peace at all times and in every circumstance. May the Lord be with all of you.
Verse Concepts
spiritual Peace » A fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
For God's kingdom is not a matter of what people eat or drink, but [instead, it is a matter] of doing what is right, having peace [of heart] and having [inner] joy, which come from the Holy Spirit.
Verse Concepts
Religion » TRUE
Then Peter began to speak. He said, "I perceive that God truly does not show favoritism toward anyone, but that whoever respects Him and does what is right, whatever country he may be from, is acceptable to Him.
Religion that is pure and uncorrupted in the eyes of [our] God and Father involves taking care of orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself unstained by the world.
Verse Concepts
But, you dearly loved ones, build yourselves up [spiritually] on [the foundation of] your most sacred faith; pray in [the power of] the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love [i.e., continue to love God], as you look forward to [receiving] the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, [who will grant you] never ending life.
And for this very reason, you people should make every effort to develop goodness along with your faith, and knowledge along with your goodness, and self-control along with your knowledge, and endurance along with your self-control, and godliness along with your endurance, and brotherly kindness along with your godliness, and with your brotherly kindness, develop love. read more.
For if you people have a lot of these [qualities] they will keep you from being unproductive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, anyone who lacks these qualities is [spiritually] blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed [i.e., forgiven] of his past sins.
For if you people have a lot of these [qualities] they will keep you from being unproductive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, anyone who lacks these qualities is [spiritually] blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed [i.e., forgiven] of his past sins.
"Teacher, which one is the greatest commandment in the law of Moses?" he asked. Jesus replied, [Deut. 6:5] "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the foremost and greatest commandment. read more.
A second one, similar to it is [Lev. 19:18], 'You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.' The entire law of Moses and the prophets hinge on these two commandments."
A second one, similar to it is [Lev. 19:18], 'You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.' The entire law of Moses and the prophets hinge on these two commandments."
Therefore, none of those who are in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus will be condemned. For the Holy Spirit's law which provides [never ending] life for those in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus has freed me from the law that requires [spiritual] death for sinning. For what the law was not able to do [for mankind], since it was [too] weak [to deliver them from condemnation] because fleshly people [were unable to obey it perfectly], God condemned sin in the flesh [i.e., sin was declared evil and its power over man broken]. God did this by sending His own Son in a body like sinful man's, and to destroy sin, read more.
so that the requirements of the law could be [considered] fulfilled in us, who do not live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, but according to [the promptings of] the Holy Spirit. For those people who are [controlled] by the flesh think about [i.e., desire] what the flesh wants; but those who are [controlled] by the Holy Spirit [desire] what the Holy Spirit wants. For the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh will suffer [spiritual] death; but the one whose mind is [controlled] by the Holy Spirit will enjoy [never ending] life and peace. This is because the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh is an enemy of God; for he is not obedient to God's law, and in fact, cannot obey it. And those people who are living according to the flesh cannot please God. But if the Spirit of God [truly] lives in your heart, you are not [being controlled] by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. But if any person does not have the Spirit of Christ [living in him], he does not belong to Christ. And if Christ lives in your hearts, even though the body is [doomed to] death because of [Adam's ?] sin; yet the spirit is [destined to] live [forever] because of being [made] right with God. [Note: Some take "spirit" here to be "Spirit" and make it "The Holy Spirit gives you life." See next verse]. But if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in your hearts, [then] that One [i.e., God] who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead, will restore life to your mortal bodies also, through [the power of] God's Spirit who lives in your hearts. So then, brothers, we are under obligation, but not to live under [the control of] the flesh, for if you people live under [the control of] the flesh, you must die [spiritually]; but if you put to death [i.e., stop practicing] the [sinful] habits of the body by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you will live [spiritually]. For all of those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take "Holy Spirit" here to be "spirit," making the verse say "you did not receive the spirit of slavery"], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, "Abba", [which means] "Father." The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God. And if we are [His] children, then we have an inheritance from God [i.e., blessings here and hereafter] and are fellow-sharers with Christ [of such blessings], providing we [are willing to] suffer with Him, so we can also be honored with Him [i.e., in the future life. See verses 18-25]. For I consider that our present sufferings do not deserve to be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us [i.e., in the future life].
so that the requirements of the law could be [considered] fulfilled in us, who do not live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, but according to [the promptings of] the Holy Spirit. For those people who are [controlled] by the flesh think about [i.e., desire] what the flesh wants; but those who are [controlled] by the Holy Spirit [desire] what the Holy Spirit wants. For the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh will suffer [spiritual] death; but the one whose mind is [controlled] by the Holy Spirit will enjoy [never ending] life and peace. This is because the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh is an enemy of God; for he is not obedient to God's law, and in fact, cannot obey it. And those people who are living according to the flesh cannot please God. But if the Spirit of God [truly] lives in your heart, you are not [being controlled] by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. But if any person does not have the Spirit of Christ [living in him], he does not belong to Christ. And if Christ lives in your hearts, even though the body is [doomed to] death because of [Adam's ?] sin; yet the spirit is [destined to] live [forever] because of being [made] right with God. [Note: Some take "spirit" here to be "Spirit" and make it "The Holy Spirit gives you life." See next verse]. But if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in your hearts, [then] that One [i.e., God] who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead, will restore life to your mortal bodies also, through [the power of] God's Spirit who lives in your hearts. So then, brothers, we are under obligation, but not to live under [the control of] the flesh, for if you people live under [the control of] the flesh, you must die [spiritually]; but if you put to death [i.e., stop practicing] the [sinful] habits of the body by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you will live [spiritually]. For all of those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take "Holy Spirit" here to be "spirit," making the verse say "you did not receive the spirit of slavery"], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, "Abba", [which means] "Father." The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God. And if we are [His] children, then we have an inheritance from God [i.e., blessings here and hereafter] and are fellow-sharers with Christ [of such blessings], providing we [are willing to] suffer with Him, so we can also be honored with Him [i.e., in the future life. See verses 18-25]. For I consider that our present sufferings do not deserve to be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us [i.e., in the future life].
Brothers, my heart's desire and [fervent] request to God is for the salvation of my fellow-Jews. [See 9:3-4]. For I can testify that they have an enthusiasm for God, but it is without [true] knowledge. For they did not know about God's way of making people right with Himself, so they attempted to establish their own way. In doing this they did not submit to God's way for being made right with Him. read more.
So, Christ has brought an end to the law [as a means] of being made right with God for every person who believes [in Him]. For Moses wrote [Lev. 18:5] about a person being made right with God by obeying the requirements of the law of Moses, that he would gain [never ending] life for doing this. But the [means of] being made right with God by faith [in Christ] is described in the Scripture this way [Deut. 30:12-13], "Do not ask yourself, 'Who will go up into heaven?'" (in order to bring Christ down [to earth]). "And [do not ask yourself], 'Who will go down into the deep hole?'" (in order to bring Christ up from the dead). [Note: This "deep hole" probably refers to the unseen place of departed spirits, or possibly the grave. Being made right with God does not require something as difficult as bringing Christ down from heaven or up from the dead (which God had already done), but is within easy reach of everyone]. But what does the Scripture say [about being made right with God]? [Deut. 30:14 says], "The message of God is near you [i.e., it is not difficult to comprehend]. It is on your lips and in your heart." This is the message of faith [in Christ] which we [apostles] preach. So, if you profess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For a person believes [in Christ] with his heart in order to be made right with God, and he makes a profession with his lips in order to be saved. For the Scripture says [Isa. 28:16], "Whoever believes in Him [i.e., Christ] will not be put to shame." [i.e., he will never have unforgiven sin brought up against him] For there is no distinction [with God] between Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], for all have the same Lord, who is generous to all who appeal to Him [for help]. For [Joel 2:32 says], "Every person who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [i.e., whoever appeals to God through obedient faith in Christ]
So, Christ has brought an end to the law [as a means] of being made right with God for every person who believes [in Him]. For Moses wrote [Lev. 18:5] about a person being made right with God by obeying the requirements of the law of Moses, that he would gain [never ending] life for doing this. But the [means of] being made right with God by faith [in Christ] is described in the Scripture this way [Deut. 30:12-13], "Do not ask yourself, 'Who will go up into heaven?'" (in order to bring Christ down [to earth]). "And [do not ask yourself], 'Who will go down into the deep hole?'" (in order to bring Christ up from the dead). [Note: This "deep hole" probably refers to the unseen place of departed spirits, or possibly the grave. Being made right with God does not require something as difficult as bringing Christ down from heaven or up from the dead (which God had already done), but is within easy reach of everyone]. But what does the Scripture say [about being made right with God]? [Deut. 30:14 says], "The message of God is near you [i.e., it is not difficult to comprehend]. It is on your lips and in your heart." This is the message of faith [in Christ] which we [apostles] preach. So, if you profess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For a person believes [in Christ] with his heart in order to be made right with God, and he makes a profession with his lips in order to be saved. For the Scripture says [Isa. 28:16], "Whoever believes in Him [i.e., Christ] will not be put to shame." [i.e., he will never have unforgiven sin brought up against him] For there is no distinction [with God] between Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], for all have the same Lord, who is generous to all who appeal to Him [for help]. For [Joel 2:32 says], "Every person who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [i.e., whoever appeals to God through obedient faith in Christ]
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things. And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires. read more.
If we live by the [guidance of the] Holy Spirit, we should also walk in [the ways of] the Holy Spirit.
If we live by the [guidance of the] Holy Spirit, we should also walk in [the ways of] the Holy Spirit.
Make sure that no one does anything wrong to someone who wrongs him, but always look for something good you can do for one another and for everyone. You should be joyful at all times. Never stop praying. read more.
Thank [God] for everything, for this is what God wants for you in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus. Do not squelch the [influence of the] Holy Spirit [in your lives]. Do not look down on prophetic messages. Put everything [i.e., speakers and their messages] to the test, [then] hold onto what is good. Avoid [the practice of] every kind of evil. And may God Himself, who gives peace, dedicate you completely, and may your spirit, soul and body [i.e., your entire person] be kept without just blame at [i.e., until] the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank [God] for everything, for this is what God wants for you in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus. Do not squelch the [influence of the] Holy Spirit [in your lives]. Do not look down on prophetic messages. Put everything [i.e., speakers and their messages] to the test, [then] hold onto what is good. Avoid [the practice of] every kind of evil. And may God Himself, who gives peace, dedicate you completely, and may your spirit, soul and body [i.e., your entire person] be kept without just blame at [i.e., until] the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
However, you are doing well if you fulfill [i.e., obey] the royal law found in the Scriptures [Lev. 19:18], "You should love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself." But if you show favoritism toward [certain] persons, you are committing a sin and are convicted by the law [of God] as lawbreakers. For, whoever observes the entire law [of God] and yet breaks one requirement [of it], becomes guilty of [breaking] all of it. read more.
For God, who said [through Moses, Ex. 20:13f], "You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate," also said, "You must not murder." Now if you are sexually faithful to your mate and yet murder [someone], you have become a lawbreaker. So, you should speak and act as people who will be judged by a law that brings freedom. For the person who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. [For] mercy wins out over condemnation. What good is it, my brothers [and sisters], if a person says he has faith but does not have [good] deeds? Can such faith save him? If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and needs daily food, and one of you says to him, "Go [and be] at peace; keep warm and eat well," and yet you do not give him anything for his physical needs, what good is that? In the same way, if [your] faith does not have [good] deeds [to accompany it], it is dead, [because it stands] alone. But someone may say, "You have faith and I have [good] deeds." [I reply], show me your faith without your [good] deeds, and I will show you my faith by my [good] deeds. You believe that there is [only] one God; that is good! Even the demons believe [that], and they shudder [with fear at the thought]. But will you acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without [good] deeds is useless? Was not our forefather Abraham made right with God by deeds [of obedience] when he offered his son Isaac [as a sacrifice] on the Altar? [Do you not] see that faith cooperated together with his deeds, and faith was made complete by [his] deeds? So, the Scripture was fulfilled, which says [Gen. 15:6], "Abraham believed God and [so] God considered him righteous," and he was called God's friend. [So], you see, it is by deeds that a person is made right with God, and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not the prostitute Rahab made right with God by [her] deeds when she welcomed [and protected] the messengers, and [then] sent them away by a different road? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without [good] deeds is dead.
For God, who said [through Moses, Ex. 20:13f], "You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate," also said, "You must not murder." Now if you are sexually faithful to your mate and yet murder [someone], you have become a lawbreaker. So, you should speak and act as people who will be judged by a law that brings freedom. For the person who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. [For] mercy wins out over condemnation. What good is it, my brothers [and sisters], if a person says he has faith but does not have [good] deeds? Can such faith save him? If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and needs daily food, and one of you says to him, "Go [and be] at peace; keep warm and eat well," and yet you do not give him anything for his physical needs, what good is that? In the same way, if [your] faith does not have [good] deeds [to accompany it], it is dead, [because it stands] alone. But someone may say, "You have faith and I have [good] deeds." [I reply], show me your faith without your [good] deeds, and I will show you my faith by my [good] deeds. You believe that there is [only] one God; that is good! Even the demons believe [that], and they shudder [with fear at the thought]. But will you acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without [good] deeds is useless? Was not our forefather Abraham made right with God by deeds [of obedience] when he offered his son Isaac [as a sacrifice] on the Altar? [Do you not] see that faith cooperated together with his deeds, and faith was made complete by [his] deeds? So, the Scripture was fulfilled, which says [Gen. 15:6], "Abraham believed God and [so] God considered him righteous," and he was called God's friend. [So], you see, it is by deeds that a person is made right with God, and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not the prostitute Rahab made right with God by [her] deeds when she welcomed [and protected] the messengers, and [then] sent them away by a different road? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without [good] deeds is dead.
Righteousness » Fruits of » Varieties
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.
Spiritual » Fruit » General references to » Many varieties of
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.